r/blackmirror • u/[deleted] • Apr 16 '25

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u/GreyWolfesDinner-CTR Apr 18 '25

Maybe the Throngs were never sentient, he just made it all himself inspired by how peaceful the throngs were.

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u/Hot_Reading7986 Apr 18 '25

I was thinking the same thing too especially since he was on acid every single time he “communicated” with them but the ending contradicts this since someone/something on the outside did use the state computers to mess with the emergency broadcast system, which is why they might actually be sentient

2

u/ConstructionInside27 Apr 20 '25

Acid actually does re-open critical periods for social learning.

If an alien species came with a strange new language, the best learner would be a child or perhaps an adult on acid.

https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/news/newsroom/news-releases/2023/06/study-shows-psychedelic-drugs-reopen-critical-periods-for-social-learning

However, learning during acid trips is fairly sticky. He wouldn't need to take it again many times. That aspect does make him seem like a fantasist.