Can Computers Predict the Future, or Measure Consciousness?

Do we all share consciousness on some level, and if so, can it be measured?

Although it may sound “New Agey,” a group of researchers have been working since 1997 on the Global Consciousness Project, or GCP for short.

The GPC collects data from “eggs” (which are special data collection instruments) and then correlates random data to specific events.  The stream of data shows reactions in the human consciousness to global events, such as major news stories.  There are 65 of these “eggs” located in all populated continents, and in almost every time zone.

Sometimes the spikes from the normal data stream precede shocking events.  According to the GCP site, “Each is defined by a prediction that the data will depart from expectation during special times such as the celebration of New Years, shocking events like the disaster on September 11 2001, natural tragedies such as the great earthquakes in Turkey and the Asian Tsunami, and large-scale meditation and prayer events like the Kumbh Mela in India. The results indicate strong correlations in some cases and virtually none in others, but overall they show significant evidence that something remarkable happens when we all are drawn into a community of interest and emotion.”

While I don’t understand how the math or the eggs work, it is sort of interesting to visit GCP’s real time data site.  When there is a spike in consciousness, the program “gongs” for big spikes or “pings” for smaller ones.  Otherwise, you just hear a heart beat.  It’s hard to explain this — visit the Global Consciousness Project by clicking here for the real time data display and sounds.

For a better understanding of how this works, the Vacuum Genesis blog has a pretty good explanation.  A full disclosure of the project, including results and analysis, is hosted at Princeton University’s website.  For instance, they have have some information on the global consciousness reactions to Michael Jackson’s death and the elections in Iran.

There are over 100 scientists, artists and business people who are working on this study of human consciousness.  300 formal experiments have been registered for this year.