Got Purpose?

[elfs]

Apparently, human beings are like many primates in that over the years we become exceptionally adept at figuring out how long a given task will take and then procrastinating until the last minute to get it done. Apparently, the reward for finishing a job becomes more apparent the closer we get to a deadline (duh) and that deadline-awareness is both instinctual and purposeful. The brain's reward mechanism is driven by it.

Well, no longer. Researchers have managed to engineer monkeys who behave as if the reward is always immanent. The brain's ability to focus on a task as if the deadline loomed is brought to full capacity, with the effect that the monkeys become workaholics, showing exceptional response times and extremely low error rates regardless of how far off the actual, physical reward for accomplishing a task may be.

Unfortunately, the drug for doing so has two problems: (1) it must be injected directly into the brain, and (2) the effect lasts for "several weeks."

Dunno whether to be fascinated or scared by the prospect...

Comments

Imagine This

[neowolf2.livejournal.com]

To be really scared, imagine reducing this to a more practical drug, one that can be taken orally and that crosses the blood/brain barrier.

Now imagine it being outlawed in the US.

Now imagine competing against foreign programmers in a country where it's perfectly legal.

Re: Imagine This

[http://users.livejournal.com/dominic-m-/]

How about we totally outlaw this drug in general? Its a mind controlling narcotic of sorts. Of course it could have practical uses (as in getting us lazy yanks off our arses) but its potential to be abused is great.

Re: Imagine This

[elfs.livejournal.com]

The problem with this idea is that it won't work. There isn't a drug we can name that isn't in use somewhere. Otherwise illegal stimulants are available to U.S. long-distance military pilots, and the Chinese have become masters of physically-enhancing drugs that don't show up in tests for their Olympic athletes.

A drug that makes employees more efficient is something no-one can ignore, much less the employees themselves.

I think what will be really interesting about a Focus-like drug, one that really works, will be the need for legal structures to protect the people on it. A guardian ad litem system, for example.

Re: Imagine This

[http://users.livejournal.com/dominic-m-/]

agreed. as long as this is somehow controlled or regulated im not too worried about it. but it should be strictly controlled. And like maybe a doctor could get you a prescription for it rather than it be a "over the counter" drug. I dont know....