Drugs and Cyberspace
... Drugs are a part of the incessant evolution of the human species towards a higher and greater intelligence, empathy and awareness or consciousness (Rushkoff, 34). ... For America, the early 1950s marked the emergence in popularity of psychedelic drugs as a tool for mind expansion (Kuhn, 163). ... " Leary also argues that only if you understand something about computers, can you begin to understand psychedelic drugs (Sheff, 120). ... Douglas Rushkoff, one in the same as Leary, has written several books on the topic of psychedelics and cyberspace. ... In this way, VR is analogous to drugs in terms of being a tool that is beneficial to our society and the universe. Insight attained from drugs or immersing oneself in VR will in turn influence ones perceptions of reality. ... In the 21st century, technology will be the easiest access to the "hyperdimensional realm"(Rushkoff, 82), and not necessarily drugs. ... Although Mike may not have a lot to do with drugs, his creation is similar to a substance such as LSD or Prozac, which would allow mind-expansion. ... VR is intrinsically the basis of an entirely new form of communication, which previously has really only been possible with drugs such as LSD and DMT (a "designer drug" growing in popularity and known to be the most common cyberian drug) (Rushkoff 88; McKenna, 231). ... If we are to consider virtual reality as a drug and view travels spent in Cyberspace to be much like a psychedelic trip, then we must be accepting of the repercussions that will accompany such associations. ... Caffeine and Nicotine addiction can be a drastic problem that most tend to overlook, while assuming that the great dangers concern things like hallucinogenic drugs (Buzzed, 58). ... Another negative aspect is that virtual reality is a strong proponent to depression, loneliness, isolation, and divorce, in the same way that drugs can influence ones life.