4 ms·

In every discussion I have seen of "smart drugs" (nootropics), what is conspicuously lacking is discussion of the actual smart deeds performed by the smart drug

In every discussion I have seen of "smart drugs" (nootropics), what is conspicuously lacking is discussion of the actual smart deeds performed by the smart drug users. Self-reported n=1 anecdotes have not established a convincing case that any kind of nootropic actually does anyone any good in the real world. (Maybe I'll edit this comment some more below during its editing time window. Or perhaps this point is so evident that it needs no elaboration.)

simpsond 13y ago
We can't accurately meter our performance, intelligence, and behavior. We also can't control our environment (not realistically anyways). So, it's anecdotal. I'm excited for sensor networking to get in the body, so we can actually measure the effects of our consumption. Then again... that doesn't measure behavior, or intelligence. It's a hard problem.
- enraged_camel 13y ago
  What we need is double-blind studies with proper control groups and behavior or problem-solving tests.
  - 1qaz2wsx3edc 13y ago
    Which is what examine.com attempts to expose/deliver. It's not perfect it.
droopyEyelids 13y ago
Thank You. I look at this smart drug crap as a weird cultural thing to study. If smart drugs made people have better performance, you'd notice your coworkers outperforming you while grimacing down their powdered piracetam. The army would be using them. Doctors would be making statements.
- aneth4 13y ago
  Not really. Performance is far too subtle, subjective, and complex to judge on a linear scale. Poor performers often do well because they are lucky or good actors. Having used racets at times, I can say they are definitely more than a weird cultural thing.
drewblaisdell 13y ago
There are, however, studies that show that racetams are not harmful. If you don't believe they work, give them a try for yourself. They work for some and not for others. Did you consult a double-blind study of caffeine before drinking your first cup of coffee? At what point does the plural anecdote at least refute the idea that racetams are just a placebo?
- coldarchon 13y ago
  "racetams are not harmful. If you don't believe they work, give them a try for yourself" I don't just want to downvote your post into invisibility, I even want it to be removed and you should have a temporary ban for this comment. You should feel ashame for promoting drugs like a dealer while you have absolutely no clue what you are talking about.

simpsond 13y ago

We can't accurately meter our performance, intelligence, and behavior. We also can't control our environment (not realistically anyways). So, it's anecdotal. I'm excited for sensor networking to get in the body, so we can actually measure the effects of our consumption. Then again... that doesn't measure behavior, or intelligence. It's a hard problem.

enraged_camel 13y ago
What we need is double-blind studies with proper control groups and behavior or problem-solving tests.
- 1qaz2wsx3edc 13y ago
  Which is what examine.com attempts to expose/deliver. It's not perfect it.

droopyEyelids 13y ago

Thank You. I look at this smart drug crap as a weird cultural thing to study. If smart drugs made people have better performance, you'd notice your coworkers outperforming you while grimacing down their powdered piracetam. The army would be using them. Doctors would be making statements.

aneth4 13y ago
Not really. Performance is far too subtle, subjective, and complex to judge on a linear scale. Poor performers often do well because they are lucky or good actors. Having used racets at times, I can say they are definitely more than a weird cultural thing.

drewblaisdell 13y ago

There are, however, studies that show that racetams are not harmful. If you don't believe they work, give them a try for yourself. They work for some and not for others. Did you consult a double-blind study of caffeine before drinking your first cup of coffee? At what point does the plural anecdote at least refute the idea that racetams are just a placebo?

coldarchon 13y ago
"racetams are not harmful. If you don't believe they work, give them a try for yourself" I don't just want to downvote your post into invisibility, I even want it to be removed and you should have a temporary ban for this comment. You should feel ashame for promoting drugs like a dealer while you have absolutely no clue what you are talking about.