The article further examines the concept of magic as a form of media that exploits the gap between perception and reality. It draws parallels between stage magic, which relies on deception and illusion, and "magick," which questions the boundaries between illusion and reality. The piece suggests that both magic and media manipulation capitalize on the quirks of human perception to create supernatural-seeming interventions, ultimately influencing beliefs and behaviors.
Key takeaways:
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- The evolution of media technologies, such as generative AI and recommendation algorithms, is creating a new relationship between humans and media, where media adapts and evolves based on user feedback.
- The CIA's MKULTRA program explored mind control and psychological warfare, including experiments with brain-computer interfaces and remote control of animals, highlighting the agency's interest in manipulating perception and behavior.
- Early artificial intelligence experiments, like Woody Bledsoe's facial recognition and Joseph Weizenbaum's ELIZA chatbot, demonstrated the potential for computers to mimic human perception and interaction, leading to the "ELIZA effect" where users attribute intentionality to machines.
- Magic, as a form of media, exploits the gap between perception and reality, using associations and symbols to alter perception and influence behavior, similar to the techniques explored by intelligence agencies for psychological operations.