A new study challenges the traditional categorical approach to classifying delusions, suggesting delusional themes are far more diverse and personalized than previously assumed. Researchers analyzed data from over 1,000 individuals with psychosis and found that while some common themes like persecution and grandiosity emerged, many experiences defied neat categorization. The study argues for a more dimensional understanding of delusions, emphasizing the individual's unique narrative and personal context rather than forcing experiences into predefined boxes. This approach could lead to more personalized and effective treatment strategies.
Offloading our memories to digital devices, while convenient, diminishes the richness and emotional resonance of our experiences. The Bloomberg article argues that physical objects, unlike digital photos or videos, trigger multi-sensory memories and deeper emotional connections. Constantly curating our digital lives for an audience creates a performative version of ourselves, hindering authentic engagement with the present. The act of physically organizing and revisiting tangible mementos strengthens memories and fosters a stronger sense of self, something easily lost in the ephemeral and easily-deleted nature of digital storage. Ultimately, relying solely on digital platforms for memory-keeping risks sacrificing the depth and personal significance of lived experiences.
HN commenters largely agree with the article's premise that offloading memories to digital devices weakens our connection to them. Several point out the fragility of digital storage and the risk of losing access due to device failure, data corruption, or changing technology. Others note the lack of tactile and sensory experience with digital memories compared to physical objects. Some argue that the curation and organization of physical objects reinforces memories more effectively than passively scrolling through photos. A few commenters suggest a hybrid approach, advocating for printing photos or creating physical backups of digital memories. The idea of "digital hoarding" and the overwhelming quantity of digital photos leading to less engagement is also discussed. A counterpoint raised is the accessibility and shareability of digital memories, especially for dispersed families.
This 2008 SharpBrains blog post highlights the crucial role of working memory in learning and cognitive function. It emphasizes that working memory, responsible for temporarily holding and manipulating information, is essential for complex tasks like reasoning, comprehension, and learning. The post uses the analogy of a juggler to illustrate how working memory manages multiple pieces of information simultaneously. Without sufficient working memory capacity, cognitive processes become strained, impacting our ability to focus, process information efficiently, and form new memories. Ultimately, the post argues for the importance of understanding and improving working memory for enhanced learning and cognitive performance.
HN users discuss the challenges of the proposed exercise of trying to think without working memory. Several commenters point out the difficulty, even impossibility, of separating working memory from other cognitive processes like long-term memory retrieval and attention. Some suggest the exercise might be more about becoming aware of working memory limitations and developing strategies to manage them, such as chunking information or using external aids. Others discuss the role of implicit learning and "muscle memory" as potential examples of learning without conscious working memory involvement. One compelling comment highlights that "thinking" itself necessitates holding information in mind, inherently involving working memory. The practicality and interpretability of the exercise are questioned, with the overall consensus being that completely excluding working memory from any cognitive task is unlikely.
"Concept cells," individual neurons in the brain, respond selectively to abstract concepts and ideas, not just sensory inputs. Research suggests these specialized cells, found primarily in the hippocampus and surrounding medial temporal lobe, play a crucial role in forming and retrieving memories by representing information in a generalized, flexible way. For example, a single "Jennifer Aniston" neuron might fire in response to different pictures of her, her name, or even related concepts like her co-stars. This ability to abstract allows the brain to efficiently categorize and link information, enabling complex thought processes and forming enduring memories tied to broader concepts rather than specific sensory experiences. This understanding of concept cells sheds light on how the brain creates abstract representations of the world, bridging the gap between perception and cognition.
HN commenters discussed the Quanta article on concept cells with interest, focusing on the implications of these cells for AI development. Some highlighted the difference between symbolic AI, which struggles with real-world complexity, and the brain's approach, suggesting concept cells offer a biological model for more robust and adaptable AI. Others debated the nature of consciousness and whether these findings bring us closer to understanding it, with some skeptical about drawing direct connections. Several commenters also mentioned the limitations of current neuroscience tools and the difficulty of extrapolating from individual neuron studies to broader brain function. A few expressed excitement about potential applications, like brain-computer interfaces, while others cautioned against overinterpreting the research.
Summary of Comments ( 30 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43641649
HN commenters discuss the difficulty of defining and diagnosing delusions, particularly highlighting the subjective nature of "bizarreness" as a criterion. Some point out the cultural relativity of delusions, noting how beliefs considered delusional in one culture might be accepted in another. Others question the methodology of the study, particularly the reliance on clinicians' interpretations, and the potential for confirmation bias. Several commenters share anecdotal experiences with delusional individuals, emphasizing the wide range of delusional themes and the challenges in communicating with someone experiencing a break from reality. The idea of "monothematic" delusions is also discussed, with some expressing skepticism about their true prevalence. Finally, some comments touch on the potential link between creativity and certain types of delusional thinking.
The Hacker News post "Delusional themes may be more varied than we thought" (linking to a BPS Research Digest article) has generated a modest discussion with a few noteworthy comments. Several commenters focus on the methodology and limitations of the original research.
One commenter points out the difficulty in truly classifying delusions, highlighting the subjective nature of interpretation and the potential for cultural biases to influence diagnoses. They suggest the research, while interesting, might not significantly change clinical practice due to the inherent challenges in accurately categorizing such experiences.
Another commenter picks up on the idea of cultural context, suggesting that what might be considered delusional in one culture could be a perfectly acceptable belief system in another. This raises questions about the universality of diagnostic criteria for mental health conditions.
A further comment expresses skepticism about the value of simply categorizing different types of delusions, arguing that a more useful approach would be to understand the underlying mechanisms that lead to delusional thinking in the first place. This commenter emphasizes the need for research focusing on the causal factors rather than just descriptive classifications.
Finally, one commenter questions the small sample size of the study referenced in the BPS article and emphasizes the importance of replication with larger and more diverse samples before drawing firm conclusions. This comment echoes a common concern in scientific discourse about the generalizability of findings based on limited data.
While the discussion isn't extensive, the comments raise valid points about the complexities of studying and categorizing delusions, emphasizing the need for nuanced interpretation and further research into the underlying causes.