1/ Is it ethical to enhance #love with drugs? 🧠❤️ In our new study, we explored public attitudes toward “love drugs,” such as using #MDMA to enhance couples’ therapy. The results were surprising. W/ @MeyBaharB @briandavidearp @juliansavulescu @ExistWell @m_emilian
2/ We tested different scenarios going from a 100% reliable "love pill" that rekindles feelings instantly to a more realistic scenario where couples use a pharmacological treatment with therapy to work on their relationship.
3/ The "love pill" was viewed negatively. Participants saw it as less moral, with the love it produced being perceived as less authentic, intense, and durable.
4/ However, in the realistic therapy scenario, where MDMA was used as a support in couples therapy, attitudes shifted. People saw this approach as morally acceptable, with the resulting love seen as genuine and lasting.
5/ Why such a shift? Participants preferred interventions that required effort from the couple. A “magic pill” feels artificial, but something like therapy with pharmacological support suggests couples are still working on their relationship, making the love feel earned and real.
6/ Our study highlights that context matters. When pharmacological tools are framed as aids to therapy rather than replacements for it, public acceptance rises sharply. The role of active engagement is key.
1/ Is it ethical to enhance #love with drugs? 🧠❤️ In our new study, we explored public attitudes toward “love drugs,” such as using #MDMA to enhance couples’ therapy. The results were surprising. W/ @MeyBaharB @briandavidearp @juliansavulescu @ExistWell @m_emilian 2/ We tested different scenarios going from a 100% reliable "love pill" that rekindles feelings instantly to a more realistic scenario where couples use a pharmacological treatment with therapy to work on their relationship.3/ The "love pill" was viewed negatively. Participants saw it as less moral, with the love it produced being perceived as less authentic, intense, and durable.4/ However, in the realistic therapy scenario, where MDMA was used as a support in couples therapy, attitudes shifted. People saw this approach as morally acceptable, with the resulting love seen as genuine and lasting. 5/ Why such a shift? Participants preferred interventions that required effort from the couple. A “magic pill” feels artificial, but something like therapy with pharmacological support suggests couples are still working on their relationship, making the love feel earned and real.6/ Our study highlights that context matters. When pharmacological tools are framed as aids to therapy rather than replacements for it, public acceptance rises sharply. The role of active engagement is key.
yes
