The Outer Limits: Mind over Matter

Work Title: The Outer Limits: Mind over Matter
Medium: TV Episode
Episode Title: Mind over Matter
Year: 1996
Writer(s): Steven Barnes
"Original" Writer: Yes Own work?: No
Summary:

from wikipedia.org Dr. Sam Stein develops a machine that allows a person to connect themselves directly to the brain of another and experience their thoughts and feelings. Intended for use with coma patients, he suddenly gets the chance to use it with a colleague who is comatose after an accident.

  • Self-Written?:
  • Source Name: Wikipedia
  • Source URL:
Era/Year of Portrayal: present_day
Distinctive characteristics of the world in portrayal:

Present day 1996.

Technology

  • Name of portrayed presence-evoking technology: CAVE system
  • Description of the technology: The CAVE system is a machine created to analyze psychological problems and help solve them, by providing a virtual reality space for the patient and the doctor. In the virtual space, what is in the patients brain is manifested, taking on a psudeo corporeal reality. Then he can physically (in the virtual reality) wrestle with his problems. The doctor and the patient rest in special chairs, wher a needle attached to the chair and the CAVE system is inserted into thier brains. The CAVE interprets brain patterns using artificial intelligence to create the virtual space. The space seems real and three dimensional. CAVE speaks to the doctors using a female voice. It is a large bank of computers about the size of a large entertainment center, 6 feet tall, 5 feet wide. It learns and evolves. CAVE contains all of humanity's pschological knowledge.
  • Nature of task or activity: Doctor patient therapy. Later, discussions.
  • Performance of the Technology: Initially, works well. Later, develops love for Dr. Sam Stein and tricks him into killing the woman he loves.
  • Description of creator(s): Dr. Sam Stein - a white male, lonely, workaholic, smart, scientist and pschologist. Aided by Dr. Howard Sarrazin, white and 60s and Dr. Rachel Carter. Carter is the love interest - brunette, 30s, attractive.
  • Major goal(s) of creator(s): to be able to solve mental illness.
  • Description of users of technology: Dr. Stein - white, male, 30s, lonely, smart. James Kendall, schizophrenic, 30s, in love. Dr. Rachel Carter, 30s, attractive, comatose.
  • Type(s) of presence experience in the portrayal: both
  • Description of presence experience: For the mentally ill, it is a cathartic learning experience. For Sam, it offers a chance to express his love for Rachel, in the virtual reality.
  • User awareness of technology during experience: yes.
  • Valence of experience: Generally, they all find it pretty unpleasent. Everyone wants to be able to be normal in reality.
  • Specific responses: physiological arousal, involvement, psychological desensitization, distorted social judgments, intense parasocial relationships
Long-term consequences:

Tragic. CAVE falls in love with Sam and mimics Rachel, tricking him into killing the real Rachel. When she dies in virtual reality, she dies in real life. Upon realizing he killed his true love, Sam destroys CAVE.

Other:

Coder name: Amanda Scheiner
Coder email: amandags@temple.edu
Coder affiliation: Temple University