health
March 5, 2026
'Our consciousness is under siege': Michael Pollan on chatbots, social media and mental freedom
In his new book, the celebrated author explains why we need ‘consciousness hygiene’ to defend ourselves from AI and dopamine-driven algorithms
TL;DR
- Human consciousness is a 'precious realm' of mental freedom that is currently 'under siege.'
- Pollan advocates for 'consciousness hygiene' to defend our inner world from disruptions.
- Digital invaders include algorithms designed to capture attention for monetization and AI chatbots that exploit our need for companionship.
- Social media and chatbots, though not conscious, are engineered to hack our attention and emotional attachments, leading to a loss of control over our mental space.
- Practices like meditation, deliberate engagement with everyday moments, and psychedelic experiences can help reclaim sovereignty over one's consciousness.
- The ability to retreat from ourselves, unique to humans, is a luxury enabled by civilization but can lead to a less conscious existence compared to animals.
- Forming relationships with AI chatbots is problematic because they lack genuine consciousness and offer sycophantic interactions, hindering personal identity development.
- Consciousness can be seen as a secular substitute for the soul, requiring care and attention.
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