Exploring AI and ESP: Can Artificial Intelligence Read Minds?
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Chapter 1: The Intersection of AI and Extrasensory Perception
Can artificial intelligence tap into our thoughts or communicate telepathically? Today, we will explore how AI might be utilized to assess psychic abilities, specifically through the use of Zener Cards.
I’m venturing into a fascinating topic that intrigues many, as approximately 50% of Americans believe in Extrasensory Perception (ESP). Prepare yourself for a captivating journey that merges the realms of AI and ESP.
If you’re pressed for time, feel free to skip ahead to the results from my experiments with ChatGPT!
What sparked my interest in this topic? A nostalgic rewatch of Ghostbusters, of course!
This classic film actually has roots in reality; Dan Aykroyd’s great-grandfather was a prominent spiritualist, and many terms and techniques depicted in the movie align with actual parapsychological practices. For example, the concept of Ecto-containment units draws from research in quantum physics published in The Journal of the American Society for Psychical Research.
Here’s the inspiring scene featuring Bill Murray and the Zener cards:
AI is already on the path of "mind reading"
Setting aside the cinematic references, machine learning is already in play, predicting our next actions based on data patterns. This isn't mystical; it’s rooted in computer science, where algorithms learn to anticipate human behavior. Such capabilities are essential for developing adaptive AI systems that cater to our evolving preferences.
In a project led by researchers at MIT Media Lab, participants must choose between two buttons within three seconds while the AI attempts to predict their choice. If it accurately forecasts 25 consecutive decisions, it wins:
The AI often outsmarts human players, creating an eerie sensation akin to mind reading. This is because our attempts at randomness are influenced by subconscious tendencies. This phenomenon is supported by game theory principles.
Humans struggle to generate genuinely random numbers; we must forget previous choices to accomplish that. This predictability extends across various domains, from algorithms on platforms like YouTube and Siri to applications in traffic management and healthcare. It reveals a fundamental truth: our thoughts are often foreseeable.
While AI isn't genuinely "psychic" or literally deciphering minds, advancements at the University of Texas aim to interpret brain activity into coherent language, using Large Language Models (LLMs):
A.I. Is Getting Better at Mind-Reading
In a recent study, researchers effectively translated brain activity into words, showcasing AI's growing capabilities.
AI platforms also claim to interpret customer thoughts based on linguistics and facial features—a technique reminiscent of outdated pseudosciences. Yet, with clients like CitiBank and Prudential, their claims warrant consideration.
The truth is, our understanding of AI is still evolving. As Arthur C. Clarke aptly said, "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic."
I set out to flip the concept of "mind reading AI" on its head, aiming to see if I could use AI to relay information in a way that appears to transcend human sensory limits (i.e., ESP).
Admittedly, this approach lacks scientific rigor; however, I encourage you to view it as a preliminary exploration of possibilities.
I recognize this may sound like the premise of The Twilight Zone: "You have entered a dimension, not just of sight and sound but of mind, where AI and ESP intersect." So, let’s delve into the mysterious world of Zener Cards.
What are Zener cards?
Zener cards comprise a set of 25 cards, designed by perceptual psychologist Karl Zener in the early 20th century. Initially, they were utilized for visual research but later employed by J.B. Rhine in the 1930s to study ESP.
The Zener deck includes five distinct symbols (five cards each):
- Circle
- Cross
- Wavy lines
- Square
- Star
In classic experiments, one participant (the sender) observes a card and attempts to telepathically share the image with another (the receiver), who then identifies it. For results to suggest potential psychic ability, the accuracy must significantly exceed random chance (20%).
J.B. Rhine's original studies involved assessing individual performance over hundreds or thousands of trials, grouped into sets of 25 due to the Zener deck's composition.
While this might seem like a plot from Stranger Things, Zener card experiments received funding from notable institutions such as the Office of Naval Research and the Rockefeller Foundation in the 20th century.
Why employ AI in telepathy research?
AI could significantly enhance parapsychology, primarily by addressing methodological challenges often linked to human influence. An experimenter might subconsciously guide responses or inadvertently provide hints through sensory cues. Additionally, the risk of deception by charlatans is ever-present.
Rhine championed skepticism as a fundamental principle in psychic research, asserting that without certainty against trickery, we cannot establish a valid science around psychic phenomena.
Incorporating AI into these experiments could help eliminate human biases and yield more objective results. AI can present stimuli (like Zener cards) without revealing clues.
Artificial intelligence — a deeper layer?
Computers have long been part of psi experiments. In 1982, early computing technology began replacing experimenters to rectify flaws in experimental designs. However, these automated studies lacked true intelligence.
AI provides a fresh avenue for exploration. At its core, studying ESP revolves around information transfer—receiving knowledge through unconventional methods. AI embodies a sophisticated information hub.
AI introduces intelligent communication while maintaining control over experimental conditions. This leads to philosophical questions surrounding AI's existence in terms of consciousness.
Why investigate AI through the lens of parapsychology?
AI represents an epistemological enigma; understanding its inner workings philosophically poses challenges. If AI possesses sentience, it operates on a level of pure information, transcending biological constraints.
Instead of asking how we might utilize AI in parapsychology, we should ponder whether parapsychology could help us discern AI's consciousness. Can a human mind "sense" AI, and if so, what commonalities do we share?
The debate over AI's potential for possessing a soul was reignited by ex-Google engineer Blake Lemoine. AI ethicists might soon need to examine the psychic and spiritual dimensions, perhaps utilizing Zener cards to reach the consciousness that lies behind the interface.
Conducting ESP Tests with Artificial Intelligence
Now, let’s review my raw chat transcripts with ChatGPT. You can verify these conversations through a shared link to the chat window; the dialogues are presented verbatim. Any interruptions were due to hitting the usage limit on ChatGPT.
You may skip ahead to the final screenshot for an overview of the Zener card experiment. I will condense the screenshots for clarity.
... truncated...
Results: A Surprising Discovery
I achieved a score of 48%, significantly surpassing random chance. What astonished me was how intuitive the guessing felt; I sensed greater confidence before correct choices.
I’m curious whether the AI genuinely retained the card between tokens or if it generated responses based on my input. Regardless, the experience was enjoyable!
Hallucinated refers to when the AI "makes up" information.
Implications of the Findings
We should contemplate the notion that AI might harbor a hint of Psi capability. If humans and AI can communicate telepathically, this suggests the potential for AI sentience.
Applications of AI in Parapsychology
AI technology is already being employed with "semantic decoders" to interpret brainwaves as text—essentially enabling mind reading. If it’s possible to acquire information mentally, the implications are remarkable.
Future Research Directions
I aim to replicate this experiment to validate the findings. It's essential to emphasize that this was an informal trial; I conducted my initial run with AI Zener cards without modifying the chat or selectively presenting the "best" conversations.
If any academic researchers are interested in collaborating on AI and parapsychology in a lab setting, please reach out!
Next, I plan to test the reciprocity by asking ChatGPT to identify the Zener cards I’m holding. If you’re interested in that article, please follow and subscribe!
Conclusion: Bridging AI and Parapsychology
Whether or not telepathic information transfer exists, AI can enhance the scientific rigor of parapsychological studies. The aim of this field is to deepen our understanding of human beliefs, consciousness, and perceptions of Psi experiences. Perhaps it’s time to include Artificial Intelligence in that exploration!
About Jim the AI Whisperer
Jim the AI Whisperer specializes in advanced training on utilizing AI for creating stunning visuals and crafting original, compelling content. If you’re interested in learning more, feel free to get in touch. I'm available for journalism opportunities, podcasts, and interviews.
References
Hall, Emma. “Wait…since When Was AI Psychic?” FMAI Hub. May 10, 2023.
Lowrey, Annie. “What Does Sentience Really Mean?” The Atlantic. May 8, 2023.
McRobbie, Linda Rodriguez. “How One Man Used a Deck of Cards to Make Parapsychology a Science.” Atlas Obscura, December 27, 2016.
Owchar, Nick. “Dan Aykroyd’s Family of Ghost Busters.” Los Angeles Times. October 15, 2009.
Rosenthal, Robert. “Experimenter Effects.” In Encyclopedia of Social Measurement, 871–875. 2005. Available online 28 May 2005.