Brain Coffee

Brain Coffee is put forward as a framework to guide one’s use of LLMs and “AI” to keep it from turning into Brain Meth.

Basically, one should ask – am I treating this like meth or coffee? Coffee isn’t exactly good for you, but we have a framework for understanding it, and, anecdotally, it’s not as bad as meth.

Treating LLMs like coffee implies the following:

• common sense says you shouldn’t do it too late at night
• it’s not a replacement for other intoxicants
• it’s fun but it’s also inseparable from capitalism
• your job can make you do too much of it
• the most convenient options are socioeconomically irresponsible
• you can make better choices that have a real world impact, but let’s be honest that no one needs coffee to survive, it all comes at a cost, and it’s mainly used to make yourself feel good and or be productive in a capitalist society
• but, man, this small batch, single origin stuff my friend turned me on to is significantly different than what the plebes are using
• it should cost you $3-5 and an hour or two of your time, but is an open door to an addiction
• even if you’re addicted, it can be worth the tradeoffs
• you’re not in control of it if you’re addicted and you don’t admit you’re addicted
• should be comfortable to do it in public or with friends

This is a working definition, subject to change.