this post was submitted on 18 Jun 2023
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Science

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A white supremacist took MDMA for a study, and it snapped him out of his beliefs: 'Why am I doing this?' (www.insider.com)
submitted 1 year ago by Gaywallet@beehaw.org to c/science@beehaw.org
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[–] smellythief@beehaw.org 12 points 1 year ago (1 children)

MDMA releases the chemical oxytocin, which our bodies naturally produce. The chemical causes animals to fiercely love their own, but also protect them from others — which can mean a disdain for outsiders may actually increase.

I would have to see more data or examples to take this last clause as real. It sounds like some off-the-cuff dualist BS conjecturing. I can’t imagine oxytocin increasing disdain of outsiders just because it induces the opposite feelings toward your in-group.

[–] Dr_Cog@lemmy.ml 7 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Neuroscientist here. Neuropeptides always have dozens of different uses, and oxytocin is no exception. The idea that it is a "love hormone" is a simplification for the lay person.

[–] smellythief@beehaw.org 0 points 1 year ago (1 children)

Do you have specific knowledge that oxytocin actually does this though?