I was digging around for some information on tweaking my Actiontec GT701 DSL router when I came across a hacker zine called K-line.  Inside, was this interesting article, titled Wetware hacking: Sound and Smell, by Cybur Netiks (K-line Issue 45):

I simulated anger.

I looked through my collection of old mp3's that I no longer listen to. Unfortunately, these were numbered and I cannot tell you what song I was using, but that doesn't really matter. I picked out a song that wasn't calm but that didn't currently inspire anger either, a kind of high-energy techno music I used. Then to recreate the appropriate conditions, I set the mp3 on repeat and recalled in as much detail as possible, times that I was extremely angry.

Bringing back these memories gave me an energy rush simular to anger, but not as impacting. I repeated this at small intervals at least once every two days. I don't know how long I did this for, I think about two months, but I soon found I would immediately get the rush of energy associated with anger when I started the music, even before I began to simulate the conditions.

For quite awhile afterwards, the simulated emotions triggered from this song were strong and unfaltering (I don't know about now, those old MP3's are gone) so it appeared to be a success.

I never did try it with another emotion, unfortunately.  I chose anger because it seemed to be the easiest to simulate.

Anyone interested in trying this with, say, joy or confidence?  Log your own wetware hacks in the comments.

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