Artificial hallucination: GPT on LSD?
Gernot Beutel, Eline Geerits, Jan T. Kielstein
Crit Care April 18, 2023 DOI: 10.1186/s13054-023-04425-6 (opens in new tab) via PubMed Central
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThe abstract draws a provocative parallel between artificial intelligence hallucinations—where models like GPT generate plausible but false information—and human psychedelic experiences, which involve altered perception and novel associations. It suggests that both phenomena arise from similar cognitive mechanisms, where normal constraints on information processing are loosened, leading to unexpected outputs. The work proposes a unique framework for understanding these parallels, linking AI reliability issues to the nature of human consciousness and altered states. This theoretical comparison aims to illuminate shared patterns in how meaning is constructed under non-standard conditions, without making empirical claims about either domain.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Gpt outputs Ai reliability Altered perception Novel associations Human consciousness |
| Citations | 112 |
| Key finding | Argues that the comparison between LLM errors and psychedelic hallucination is misleading because machine outputs stem from statistical prediction, not altered perception. |
Abstract
Artificial hallucination: GPT on LSD?