empathia wrote:

as you pointed out, the resulting non-use in earlier networks (N1-N3) is probably a good reason not to use this one.

It depends - in the experiment they targeted the front networks, why could it not also be used to target rear networks? Also, it is just my conjecture that using it would increase the amount of non-use in other networks, and whether its use a good idea depends upon the magnitude of the increase in nonuse in other networks vs the increase in ability of the networks targeted.

UPDATE:

With the helpful loan of some electrodes from Alex, I tested this out on myself. It's a good easy way to start experimenting with homemade n-hacking tech, much easier then building an NMS device!

I ran some tests on myself, however given that there was only one subject (me), a small number of trials and no blinding/placebos it wasn't a very scientifically rigorous experiment, and conclusions should be taken with a pinch of salt (as should electrode gel).

Subjectively it was a slightly strange experience and I seemed to see a few flashed of light as it messed with my vision, but for a moment I imagined that the flashes were lightning bolts between the electrodes!
Broadly I seemed to agree with the conclusions in the article I saw (which was far more scientific): placing the cathode on the right temple led to an improvement in visual memory but no measurable improvement in the ability to do mental arithmetic (although since I can do mental arithmetic anyway, this might not be a good test), while reversing the current reduced the ability to do mental arithmetic.

To test whether it has any effect along the lines of switching off the rear networks I tried to see what effect it had upon my ability to stand on one leg while balancing books on my head, which was the best test I could think of for N2's ability. Reassuringly, and slightly surprisingly, it didn't seem to have any effect upon my balance, so maybe its uses upon certain networks will not necessarily cause non-use in other networks.

Any ideas about how/whether to proceed? I'm currently wondering whether the same effect can be used to stimulate rear networks.

Fractal

Hi dude,
Great work! This is what real science is all about; dudes building stuff in sheds and trying it out themselves  :  )

I am crap at (conscious) mental arithmetic so it may be useful to try the same test on me, next time you feel like a visit? (You could also find out what if any changes you are getting in vital signs; blood pressure, heart rate etc)

Rear networks: I would tend to target the reticular formation to see what happens, but this could be dodgy because you're interfering with your main input line and so you may not want to risk it. If you do, I'd start with tiny 'doses' and move up slowly from there. If that sounds too risky try short term stimulus ear-to-ear (just behind the ears) (you do run the risk of getting N3 instead, but you'll know if you made that mistake because your dreams will be ridiculous.) I did CES by this method once and in the middle of the night I woke myself up laughing.

There is one area of the spine that when stimulated improves rear net function but unfortunately (?) a side effect is it gives you orgasms.
Best,
AR

Fractal Wrote:

part of me quite likes the idea of targeting N3 with tDCS while taking hallucinogens...

...Never done that...light/sound feedback is pretty good tripping though. A lot would depend on the hallucinogen -I don't think I'd like to be on fly agarics & DCS...

[a]
There is one area of the spine that when stimulated improves rear net function but unfortunately (?) a side effect is it gives you orgasms.

[f]
Like the silly dreams, this may be a side affect I am willing to risk :D I seem to remember something about this, it's near the base of the spine, right? Fractal

Finding the right spot for you is something best experimented on when nobody else is around, because if you get it wrong you can accidentally pee yourself  LOL  :  )
Best,
AR