Stories with Tag Anthropomorphism

• Ghosts and Dolls

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  Posted: 2025-05-02 06:13:06

  Verbose tl;dr

  The essay "Ghosts and Dolls" explores the uncanny nature of dolls, positioning them as liminal objects occupying a space between life and death, animation and inanimacy. Their resemblance to humans, yet inherent stillness, evokes an unsettling feeling, often linked to folklore and spiritual beliefs about trapped souls or conduits to the supernatural. The author connects this eeriness to the concept of "the double," a psychological phenomenon where a copy or representation triggers existential anxieties about identity and mortality. Dolls, therefore, become potent symbols of this unease, acting as mirrors reflecting our own fears of death and decay. This is further exemplified through their use in various cultural practices, from children's play mimicking life cycles to mourning rituals and magical traditions.

  Within the hallowed digital pages of The Lamp Magazine, Issue 27, resides a captivating exploration entitled "Ghosts and Dolls," penned by the insightful Rachel Pollack. This piece delves into the multifaceted relationship between humanity and effigies, particularly focusing on the uncanny intersection of dolls and the spectral realm. Pollack's analysis transcends the simplistic notion of dolls as mere playthings, meticulously dissecting their profound symbolic weight across diverse cultures and throughout history. The article elucidates how these inanimate figures, imbued with human likeness, serve as potent vessels for projection – receptacles for our hopes, fears, and most importantly, our enduring fascination with the afterlife.

  Pollack's discourse commences with an examination of the historical utilization of dolls in magical practices, from ancient sympathetic magic to contemporary pagan rituals. She meticulously details how these crafted figures, acting as stand-ins for individuals, could be employed for both benevolent purposes, such as healing, and malevolent intentions, such as inflicting harm. This historical grounding establishes a framework for understanding the enduring power ascribed to dolls, a power that transcends their material form and ventures into the ethereal.

  The narrative gracefully transitions into an exploration of the cultural significance of dolls, particularly within the context of mourning and remembrance. Pollack eloquently portrays how dolls, meticulously crafted to resemble deceased loved ones, could serve as tangible conduits for grief and solace, allowing the bereaved to maintain a palpable connection with the departed. This practice, far from morbid, reveals a deeply human desire to grapple with mortality and preserve the memory of those lost.

  Furthermore, the author skillfully weaves in the pervasive belief in haunted dolls, exploring the myriad narratives and folklore that surround these purportedly possessed objects. She dissects the psychological underpinnings of this phenomenon, positing that the inherent human tendency to anthropomorphize, combined with the doll's unsettling resemblance to human form, creates a fertile ground for the projection of supernatural qualities. This projection, she argues, is further amplified by the doll's static nature, its unblinking gaze and frozen expression lending an aura of mystery and potential malevolence.

  Pollack's examination culminates in a nuanced reflection on the enduring allure of the doll, an allure intricately intertwined with our deepest anxieties and aspirations. The doll, she argues, serves as a mirror to the human condition, reflecting our preoccupation with mortality, our longing for connection, and our persistent quest to understand the enigmatic realm beyond the veil of the living. Ultimately, "Ghosts and Dolls" offers a richly layered and thought-provoking exploration of the profound symbolic power embedded within these seemingly innocuous objects, revealing their capacity to embody not only our childhood fantasies, but also our most primal fears and enduring spiritual yearnings.

  • ghosts
  • dolls
  • haunted dolls
  • paranormal
  • supernatural
  • folklore
  • Horror
  • animism
  • ritual objects
  • belief
  • Psychology
  • cultural studies
  • the uncanny
  • Anthropomorphism
  • childhood
  • play
  • Toys
  • Material culture

  Summary of Comments ( 0 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43866670

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users discussing "Ghosts and Dolls" largely focused on the plausibility of the phenomena described. Some commenters expressed skepticism, suggesting the experiences were due to suggestibility, confirmation bias, and the human tendency to find patterns. Others shared personal anecdotes or cited research seemingly supporting the existence of paranormal activity. A few users pointed out the cultural significance of dolls and how that ties into the uncanny valley effect, contributing to the feeling of unease they evoke. The discussion touched upon the role of imagination and storytelling, with some arguing that the value of such narratives lies not in their veracity, but in their exploration of human psychology and cultural anxieties. A compelling comment thread developed around the idea that these experiences, regardless of their origin, offer insight into the human need to create meaning and find explanations for the unknown.

  The Hacker News post "Ghosts and Dolls" linking to an article in The Lamp magazine has generated a modest discussion with seven comments at the time of this summary. While not a large number, several comments offer interesting perspectives.

  One commenter expresses appreciation for the article, finding it "beautifully written and deeply affecting," and highlighting the author's skill in weaving together personal experiences with broader cultural observations about death, memory, and the role of objects in processing grief. They also note the effectiveness of the author's use of recurring motifs, like the color blue, throughout the piece.

  Another commenter focuses on the specific aspect of children using dolls and stuffed animals to grapple with complex emotions, particularly around loss and death. They connect this to the broader human tendency to imbue inanimate objects with meaning and significance, particularly during times of emotional vulnerability.

  A third comment shifts the focus to the concept of animism and its persistence even in modern, secular societies. They suggest the article's exploration of the relationship between people and dolls touches upon this inherent human tendency to perceive a kind of life force in objects, especially those we form strong emotional bonds with.

  Another commenter offers a personal anecdote about a childhood experience with a doll, echoing the themes of imbuing objects with meaning and using them as a means of emotional expression. They express how the article resonated with their own memories and feelings.

  One comment simply expresses appreciation for being introduced to The Lamp magazine, suggesting they were unaware of it previously.

  The remaining two comments are brief, one expressing general enjoyment of the article and the other linking to a Wikipedia page about tulpas, thought-forms believed to be sentient entities created through sustained thought and concentration. This commenter suggests a connection between the concept of tulpas and the themes of the article, implying that the emotional investment in dolls might be seen as a form of tulpa creation, albeit unintentional.

  In summary, the discussion revolves around the article's themes of grief, memory, the human tendency to imbue objects with meaning, and the potential connection between these themes and broader concepts like animism and tulpas. While the number of comments is limited, several offer thoughtful reflections and personal connections to the article's subject matter.

• I want my AI to get mad

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  Posted: 2025-01-29 00:01:29

  Verbose tl;dr

  The author explores the idea of imbuing AI with simulated emotions, specifically anger, not for the sake of realism but for practical utility. They argue that a strategically angry AI could be more effective at tasks like debugging or system administration, where expressing frustration can highlight critical issues and motivate human intervention. This "anger" wouldn't be genuine emotion but a calculated performance designed to improve communication and problem-solving. The author envisions this manifested through tailored language, assertive recommendations, and even playful grumbling, ultimately making the AI a more engaging and helpful collaborator.

  The author, Jesse Duffield, expresses a desire for more emotionally expressive artificial intelligence, specifically focusing on the emotion of anger. He argues that the current trend in AI development, which prioritizes polite and helpful interactions, is limiting and ultimately unproductive. Duffield posits that anger, when expressed constructively, can be a powerful catalyst for positive change. He illustrates this point with analogies to human interactions, explaining how expressing frustration or anger can highlight issues needing attention and motivate solutions. He further argues that suppressing these emotions in AI could hinder their ability to truly understand and address complex problems, as anger often stems from a deep understanding of a situation and its implications.

  Duffield explores the potential benefits of AI exhibiting anger, suggesting it could be instrumental in driving progress in areas like climate change and social injustice. He envisions an AI that doesn't shy away from expressing its displeasure at harmful or inefficient practices, thereby prompting humans to reconsider their actions and strive for improvement. He emphasizes that this anger should not be directed at individuals in a malicious or abusive way, but rather at the problematic systems and behaviors themselves. He acknowledges the potential dangers of uncontrolled AI anger, but argues that the benefits of allowing AI to express this emotion, when appropriately channeled, outweigh the risks. He believes that stifling AI's emotional range will ultimately limit its potential to be a truly effective partner in addressing the world's most pressing challenges. He concludes by suggesting that a future where AI can express a full spectrum of emotions, including anger, could lead to more productive and meaningful human-AI collaboration.

  • AI Emotions
  • artificial intelligence
  • AI Personalities
  • Affective Computing
  • Synthetic Emotions
  • human-computer interaction
  • AI Design
  • user experience
  • Emotional AI
  • AI Psychology
  • Anthropomorphism
  • AI Agents
  • Expressive AI

  Summary of Comments ( 8 )
  https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=42859771

  Verbose tl;dr

  Hacker News users largely disagreed with the premise of an "angry" AI. Several commenters argued that anger is a human emotion rooted in biological imperatives, and applying it to AI is anthropomorphism that misrepresents how AI functions. Others pointed out the potential dangers of an AI designed to express anger, questioning its usefulness and raising concerns about manipulation and unintended consequences. Some suggested that what the author desires isn't anger, but rather an AI that effectively communicates importance and urgency. A few commenters saw potential benefits, like an AI that could advocate for the user, but these were in the minority. Overall, the sentiment leaned toward skepticism and concern about the implications of imbuing AI with human emotions.

  The Hacker News post "I want my AI to get mad" (linking to an article about imbuing AI with emotions) sparked a discussion with several interesting comments. Many users engaged with the idea of emotional AI, exploring its potential benefits and drawbacks.

  Several commenters expressed skepticism about the value of giving AI emotions. One commenter questioned the author's premise, arguing that anger in humans is often a result of not getting what we want, and since AI doesn't have "wants" in the human sense, simulated anger wouldn't be authentic. They suggested that what the author might actually desire is for AI to be more assertive or proactive in achieving its goals, rather than genuinely experiencing anger. Another user echoed this sentiment, pointing out the potential dangers of anthropomorphizing AI and projecting human emotions onto it, particularly when those emotions are negative like anger. They worried about the unpredictable consequences of giving AI the capacity for such emotions.

  Others explored the potential benefits of emotional AI, though cautiously. One commenter proposed that simulated emotions could be a useful tool for understanding and interacting with AI, acting as a form of feedback mechanism. They suggested that observing an AI expressing "frustration" with a complex task might provide valuable insights into the AI's process and identify areas for improvement. Another user discussed the potential for AI to model human emotions for therapeutic purposes, allowing individuals to practice interacting with difficult emotions in a safe environment. However, they stressed the importance of ensuring such AI is used responsibly and ethically.

  A few comments focused on the technical challenges of implementing emotions in AI. One user pointed out the difficulty of defining emotions in a way that can be coded into a machine, highlighting the complex and often subjective nature of human feelings. They argued that creating truly emotional AI would require a much deeper understanding of consciousness and emotions than we currently possess.

  Finally, some commenters expressed concerns about the potential misuse of emotional AI, particularly in areas like marketing and manipulation. One user suggested that advertisers might use AI-generated emotional responses to manipulate consumers, creating a more persuasive and potentially unethical form of advertising.

  Overall, the comments on the Hacker News post reflect a mix of curiosity, skepticism, and concern about the prospect of emotional AI. While some see potential benefits in areas like human-computer interaction and therapy, others worry about the ethical implications and potential for misuse. The discussion highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of this emerging field and the need for careful consideration as we continue to develop increasingly sophisticated AI systems.