Book contents
- Altered Minds
- Altered Minds
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Introduction
- Overview of Existing Literature
- Part IThe Deep History of Mind-Altering Substances
- Part IIFrom Ritual to Regulation
- Part IIIThe Future of Human Consciousness
- Chapter 7Threshold 9
- Chapter 8Regulating Digital and Chemical Consciousness
- Chapter 9The Search for Meaning in an Altered World
- Summary
- Epilogue
- References
- Index
Chapter 8 - Regulating Digital and Chemical Consciousness
from Part III - The Future of Human Consciousness
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 20 February 2026
Book contents
- Altered Minds
- Altered Minds
- Copyright page
- Contents
- Introduction
- Overview of Existing Literature
- Part IThe Deep History of Mind-Altering Substances
- Part IIFrom Ritual to Regulation
- Part IIIThe Future of Human Consciousness
- Chapter 7Threshold 9
- Chapter 8Regulating Digital and Chemical Consciousness
- Chapter 9The Search for Meaning in an Altered World
- Summary
- Epilogue
- References
- Index
Summary
This chapter explores emerging regulatory, ethical, and design frameworks for managing the expanding influence of both digital and chemical mind-altering agents. It reviews current efforts at neuroethics, platform governance, and pharmaceutical policy, highlighting both successes and failures. Key topics include the addictive potential of immersive AI, digital feedback loops, and synthetic neurochemical enhancers. The chapter evaluates international disparities in legal treatment, focusing on how cultural assumptions influence what is considered ’mind-altering’ or harmful. Case studies include data on AI companions, cognitive profiling, and attempts to legislate digital well-being. The concept of ’cognitive sovereignty’ is introduced — the right to autonomy over one’s attention, emotion, and self-perception. In conclusion, the chapter advocates for a post-disciplinary approach combining neuroscience, design ethics, anthropology, and legal studies.
Keywords
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- Information
- Altered MindsThe Interface of Substances, Virtual Simulations and AI Consciousness, pp. 228 - 241Publisher: Cambridge University PressPrint publication year: 2026
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