Simulation hypothesis stuff is on-topic for AI safety, but by "stupid topics" I mean certain low quality and off-topic topics, on the level of analyzing an NFL match. I think some people know what topics I am talking about (but probably most people reading my OP don't).
It seems to me that over the past 1 or 2 months a lot of rationalists (N > 7.5) in Berkeley/Oakland have been acting pretty bizarrely (based on my observation of their online behavior). There are three main areas of concern:
An increase in expressed interest in Buddhism/spiritualism/meditation/mindfulness
AI Safety researchers (and associates) talking about really stupid topics
Increased hypomanic behavior and quackery among some people
I don't want to be more specific with #2 and #3 (no identifying information), but I think many people have seen at least #1 occurring.
I don't actually have any issues with #1 by itself (I am interested in these sorts of things), but I'm wondering why it's spreading more over the past 1 or 2 months.
Anyway, #2 and #3 are somewhat concerning, and I'm wondering if there's any overlap with #1.
Sorry for being vague and not providing examples of #2 and #3.
A REAL LEVEL 5
I am wondering if there are other people on LW who have noticed these things. I expect most people reading the OP to either not know what I am talking about, or to have a guess at what I am referring to, but disagree that these things are concerning.