First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains - io9 Comments

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

rootdown — Fri, 09 May 2008 15:51:07 PDT

What's really funny about this is you know that the doughy nerds that thought this would be an awesome thing to do are all totally misanthropic girl-repellent fatties who are going to die alone and unloved.

rootdown

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

PenelopeAnaxagoras — Fri, 09 May 2008 14:40:00 PDT

Oh wow, so many people who don't know anything about anonymous. It was 420chan /i/ and they do shit like this every day. Scientology-raids might be most famous thing anonymous has recently done but most of insurgency is actually against it. Foxnews made quite hilarious story about them. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DNO6G4ApJQY

PenelopeAnaxagoras

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

Klebert L. Hall — Fri, 09 May 2008 08:51:42 PDT

@aegies:

I'm sure that there will be plenty of Conspiracy Theories and Conspiracy Counter-Theories to come, too - that's what Anonymous is all about.

The Scientologists don't have to discredit Anonymous, Anonymous does it to themselves by their very nature.

I suspect they're actually making Scientology look sympathetic through their activities, which is impressive and kind of funny.
-Kle.

Klebert L. Hall

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

JustThisGuyYouKnow? — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:48:41 PDT

The technology to hack people's brains have been around for centuries. They're called 'axes'. Or has everybody forgotten where the word 'hack' actually comes from?

JustThisGuyYouKnow?

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

Daniel Rutter — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:47:46 PDT

I hope you all realise that people who do this sort of thing for the lulz (NSFW link) feed, joyously, on all of these outraged responses. You're all having a great big moral panic, exactly as these dorks wanted you to. Well done.

If this "attack" were a really serious one, then of course outraged responses would be entirely justified, whether they gave the culprits some extra giggles or not. But the "attack" was not actually serious at all.

Only about four per cent of epileptic people suffer from photosensitive epilepsy. It's also very unlikely that brief exposure to a flashing screen will be enough to kick off a seizure.

Most people who suffer from such seizures get a funny feeling that warns them before a seizure arrives, and know to turn away from the offending stimulus before it's too late. This could explain why the worst epileptic response mentioned in reports of this "hacking" (actually, I remind you, just forum posts...) is these "pre-seizure" effects.

It's possible that someone somewhere did actually have a seizure, and migraines are of course no fun at all. But if briefly looking at a flashing stimulus is enough to kick such effects off for you, then you'll be having them several times a day whether some jerk surprises you with a flashing screen or not. Flashing things are everywhere.

Daniel Rutter

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

Luger-Axhandle — Thu, 08 May 2008 18:39:55 PDT

I've seen peoples' brains hacked via computer many times. These attacks are not called viruses, they are called lies and fallacies. They have been around since language was invented. They are the tools of con-men and politicians (wait, is there a difference?) Anybody that has sent money to somebody in Nigeria on the basis of an e-mail has been brain-hacked via computer. The act of hacking an entity, be it electronic or organic, is to cause the entity to behave in a way that is abnormal and usually self-damaging. The advent of brain-computer interfaces will provide another avenue of attack.

Luger-Axhandle

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

DocGratis — Thu, 08 May 2008 14:24:07 PDT

@moff: I agree with that completely...

If this were fictional (a la a Joker style prank), might be considered somewhat macabre humor. But it isn't fiction...

It is just totally anonymously screwing with people who have a medical condition...

It really borders on sociopathic, because you are just throwing that out there with the intention of causing seizures.. it isn't targeted...

Maybe they didn't realize how harmful seizures can be...

BTW, funny is the Simpsons doing the "giant battling seizure robots" bit..

DocGratis

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

Evil Tortie's Mom — Thu, 08 May 2008 13:35:59 PDT

@Bob_of_Mars: Best idea yet.

@aegies: I'd buy that -- we know those bastards are evil, vindictive, and don't believe in prescription drugs to fix brain chemistry.

Evil Tortie's Mom

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

Gann — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:56:52 PDT

@Garrison Dean, King Awesome: Agreed. While deplorable, it wasn't entirely without humor.

@Plague: Also agreed. This is not what I would call brain hacking, although post-hypnotic suggestion and binaural meditation are.

Gann

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

Grey_Area — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:46:20 PDT

I have a dark sense of humor but this is not funny in the least. This is punk-ass kids chucking cinderblocks off an overpass onto the information highway. This is Evil cleverly perpetrated by the thoughtless.
I will admit to having a modicum of awe and respect for these creatures and could imagine sharing my thoughts with them...
in detail...
with dental tools.

Grey_Area

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

Bob_of_Mars — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:41:36 PDT

Fething disgusting. Makes me wish I had the power to hunt them down and modify their bodies so that they always feel pain.

Speaking of body hacking, wouldn't Pavlovian training be a kind of brain hacking?? No?

Bob_of_Mars

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

Stafford — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:34:55 PDT

@Ed Grabianowski: clearly you are not one of the most dark humored people I'll ever meet. Clearly, garrison dean and I have you beat.

It's not that if one finds this diabolically clever they sit and laugh and laugh to themselves the rest of the afternoon. No, rather you chuckle and say "geez, these people are assholes, hope they watch out for them." If you've never caught yourself laughing at something you shouldn't be, then good on ya. Someone should base a new branch of religion around you.

It's mean and evil, and just the tiniest bit funny. Even my epileptic friend thinks so. Something for everyone I suppose. He claims he's glad he doesn't go on message boards. Problem solved.

@Plague: I agree, this article had nothing to do with what I thought it was going to. I kept waiting for the part about "brain-hacking" to start.

Stafford

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

aegies — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:33:27 PDT

@Ed Grabianowski:

There's also a theory that it was perpetrated by the Church of Scientology to discredit Anonymous' campaign against them.

aegies

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

moff — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:32:45 PDT

@Garrison Dean, King Awesome: Speaking of which: HOW ABOUT A LIVE-ACTION SMURFS MOVIE, PEOPLE???

moff

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

Garrison Dean, Mr. Privilege — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:29:04 PDT

@moff: Sorry, I know. Thank you. But I didn't want you to get lumped in with evil old Adolf Cartman Gargamel Dean.

Garrison Dean, Mr. Privilege

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

moff — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:18:41 PDT

@Garrison Dean, King Awesome: I WAS TRYING TO BE SUPPORTIVE.

moff

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

Shiryu — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:17:28 PDT

Very "Ghost in the Shell"... scary.

Shiryu

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

Garrison Dean, Mr. Privilege — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:13:02 PDT

I'm sorry at what point didn't I say this was a bad thing!?! But no one died, no one got badly hurt and I feel they should go after these guys.

So I hope none of you getting on my shit for thinking this is a little clever ever watches car chases on television, or reality shows involving children, or the aforementioned To Catch a Predator all these things that are entertainment that preys on the safety and well-being of individuals and society. I doubt anyone here has lived their life without laughing at something phenomenally innapropriate.

[www.quotedb.com]

@moff: You've got no room to talk, you destroyed a planet for crying out loud.

Garrison Dean, Mr. Privilege

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

extracrispy — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:11:03 PDT

@Garrison Dean, King Awesome: I don't think you're winning any friends with this thread.

But I do agree that To Catch a Predator is hilarious! Have you seen Kathy Griffin's bit about To Catch a Predator? "Who knew that predators love ice tea?"

extracrispy

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

Plague — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:06:03 PDT

Aside from the cruelness of the prank- calling it "brain hacking" sure is stretching that term quite thin.

Plague

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

Annalee Newitz — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:03:39 PDT

@Ed Grabianowski: Oh, good find. I just linked to the article in my post. Of course Kevin Poulsen was on this story over a month ago!

Annalee Newitz

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

BadUncle — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:02:42 PDT

@Garrison Dean, King Awesome: Yeah, dude. You know what's even more hilarious? Product tampering. It's so Dark Knight when you never know if that tylenol contains cyanide. Try it at home, some time.

BadUncle

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

moff — Thu, 08 May 2008 12:02:34 PDT

@Garrison Dean, King Awesome: I'm not laughing, but I tend toward gallows humor, and I know what you mean, especially when you say Joker-style prank. If this was fiction, it would strike me as inspired. But even if it was fiction, I would hope the perps got busted.

moff

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

RAHfanboy — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:58:21 PDT

@Garrison Dean, King Awesome: "but one has to respect the evil creativity of these individuals. Maybe I've read too much Batman comics and see this as some Joker style prank."

No we don't. And Batman felt obligated to kick The Joker's butt for a reason. He was evil.

RAHfanboy

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

Ed Grabianowski — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:57:41 PDT

Ok, so, just to clarify, here is a link to a Wired article that mentions a supposed connection to the group Anonymous. It's based on rather tenuous evidence, but just goes to show I wasn't totally talking out my ass.

[www.wired.com]

Ed Grabianowski

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

Garrison Dean, Mr. Privilege — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:55:23 PDT

@russdanger: I find To Catch a Predator to be hilarious.

Come on is no one here from New Jersey?!

Garrison Dean, Mr. Privilege

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

BadUncle — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:55:14 PDT

I can't imagine what would motivate somebody to do this. But I can imagine punching that somebody in the genitals.

BadUncle

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

RAHfanboy — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:55:00 PDT

@Garrison Dean, King Awesome: No, Cartman, it's not even a little funny.

RAHfanboy

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

Klebert L. Hall — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:54:01 PDT

That's amazingly low.

What's next, sneaking into blind peoples' houses and moving things?

Too bad they'll probably never get caught or adequately punished.
-Kle.

Klebert L. Hall

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

Garrison Dean, Mr. Privilege — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:53:49 PDT

@Miranda Kali: I'm very sorry for your loss, and I truly mean no disrespect and this is awful, but one has to respect the evil creativity of these individuals. Maybe I've read too much Batman comics and see this as some Joker style prank.

@Ed Grabianowski: You clearly aren't trying hard enough. I think you can at least muster a small snicker if you really are that dark-humored.

Garrison Dean, Mr. Privilege

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

Saj — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:53:20 PDT

@Garrison Dean, King Awesome: Im epileptic... and i dont find this the least bit funny.

Saj

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

russdanger — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:52:00 PDT

@Garrison Dean, King Awesome:

I can usually find humor in the strangest places, but I can't seem to find any here. I don't use the word "evil" very often, but I think whoever did this qualifies. They're no better than a child-molester, preying on the innocent and vulnerable.

russdanger

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

Smeagol92055 — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:51:47 PDT

Wow. What the hell is this world coming to?

Here's an idea: find the people responsible for this, then lock them up and give them a nice juicy barium enema. But don't let them poo just yet; wait about 15 minutes, til they REALLY have to go, and then strap them down and give them electro-shock therapy. Let them know how a fucking seizure feels first-hand.
Then, when they come to, they'll realize that they have shat themselves violently.
The kicker? Give them nothing to clean themselves with and repeat the process every 45 minutes.

Smeagol92055

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

extracrispy — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:46:56 PDT

@Ed Grabianowski: I hope it's not the same as Anonymous because my support for them would cease. Not that I ever offered much support beyond a few "LOLZ, nice going guyz" comments on Digg and that day I honked my horn for the dudes in Guy Fawkes masks protesting the Scientology Center on 7th Street.

extracrispy

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

Ed Grabianowski — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:45:43 PDT

@Annalee Newitz: Yeah, I'm going by memory of an article I read a few days ago, and I might be confused between people who are literally anonymous and the group that actually calls itself "Anonymous." :-) Consider anything I said rumor-mongering, not actual new.

@Garrison Dean, King Awesome: Honestly, I'm one of the most cynical, horrible, dark-humored persons you'll ever meet, but try as I might, I can't muster a chuckle at this. Seizures are potentially fatal.

Ed Grabianowski

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

Miranda Kali — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:45:11 PDT

@Garrison Dean, King Awesome:
As someone who's sister died after an major epileptic seizure, I can tell you that I don't even remotely funny.
I can tell you how I'd deal with the hackers who did this, but this really isn't the proper place.

Miranda Kali

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

Garrison Dean, Mr. Privilege — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:38:44 PDT

Deplorable, shitty, underhanded... Yes, so true. But no one here thinks its just a tiny bit funny?!

Garrison Dean, Mr. Privilege

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

Annalee Newitz — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:35:05 PDT

@Ed Grabianowski: Really? I just called them "anonymous people" because I didn't want to dignify them with the name "hackers." They probably aren't hackers anyway -- they are probably script kiddies using code written by hackers who are smarter and less assholish than they are.

Annalee Newitz

First-Ever Example of a Computer Hack Attacking People's Brains

Ed Grabianowski — Thu, 08 May 2008 11:33:07 PDT

@extracrispy: There were rumors at the time that it was perpetrated by Anonymous, the group that usually focuses on attacking Scientology websites. I've seen nothing to confirm that, but that's what was initially reported.

Ed Grabianowski