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The Screed's avatar

Perhaps psychedelics can be both a cure and a catalyst for basilisks. On one hand they can open the mind to new thoughts that crowd out the basilisk. On the other hand this openess can make one more vulnerable to other basilisks.

Maybe a strong ego could be a decent protective measure, but as algorithms become more targeted, we’ll all be at risk. A personalized basilisk for everyone, fused at the hip with the ego through an endless barrage of reinforcement.

Traditional organized religions or other shared belief systems that invite all regardless of conflicting perspectives might help? But we’re losing those at an accelerated rate. Aside from polishing a mirror shield, maybe our best defense would be redirecting algorithmic reality tunnels so that they lead to an intersection of beliefs.

Some burgeoning digital basilisks:

- Doomerism/climate doomerism

-self diagnosing and psychosomatic illness(tik tok Tourette’s , mental illness as an identity)

-astrology(benign, for now)

-FIRE/grind set/hustle culture (could be freeing for some, but imposes limiting beliefs equating wealth with enlightenment )

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Hermezz Triple_Kool's avatar

Listen to the Tao Te Ching every once in a while. Lol

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