Paper short abstract:

Exploring the narrative around AI in psychedelics, this presentation highlights overlooked ethical issues within techno-optimism, advocating for a balanced, ethically informed approach to mental health advancements.

Paper long abstract:

The aim of this presentation is to critically explore the narrative regarding the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and psychedelics in mental health care. I will demonstrate how the techno-optimistic narrative forecasts revolutionary advancements in treatments through AI's capacity to analyze and interpret complex datasets from psychedelic research.

This narrative, informed by socio-technical imaginaries, suggests AI's pivotal role in deciphering the complex neurological impacts of psychedelics, analyzing vast data sets to uncover patterns in brain activity and accelerating the research process. AI's capabilities in data analysis and pattern recognition are envisioned to deepen understanding of psychedelics' therapeutic effects and streamline the development of new compounds, promising a future of enhanced mental health treatments through technological innovation.

This narrative, however, often overlooks the nuanced ethical considerations, such as data privacy, algorithmic bias, and the broader socio-ethical implications. This presentation advocates for the inclusion of these critical perspectives in the dominant discourse. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive ethical frameworks, regulatory oversight, and the integration of indigenous wisdom with technological innovation to navigate the complexities of this field responsibly. By examining the potential and pitfalls of AI in psychedelic research, the presentation calls for a balanced narrative that acknowledges both the transformative possibilities and the ethical challenges, aiming to ensure that the advancements in psychedelic therapy are pursued with integrity, equity, and respect for all stakeholders involved.