this post was submitted on 09 May 2026
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Teleportation machines exist. Most people use them, and they come out the other side just fine. Would you use them? (mander.xyz)
submitted 4 days ago by SpicyAnt@mander.xyz to c/asklemmy@lemmy.ml
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Would it make a difference if the laws of physics prevent or allow a machine from operating in 'duplicate' mode?

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[โ€“] cato@lemmy.duckpond.social 3 points 4 days ago (2 children)

I would be scared that the person on the other side is just a clone rather than me.

[โ€“] Sharkticon@lemmy.zip 3 points 4 days ago (1 children)

There's nothing to guarantee that every night you go to sleep that doesn't happen.

[โ€“] SmokeInFog@midwest.social 3 points 4 days ago

Thank you, came here to say this. People like the phrase "continuity of consciousness" but the problem of persistent identity is much more fundamental than this thought experiment lets on

[โ€“] SpicyAnt@mander.xyz 0 points 4 days ago (1 children)

What if:

  1. It is physically impossible to make a copy
  2. Your family and friends use it daily
[โ€“] Foxfire@pawb.social 4 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Different person but:

  1. I am concerned about continuity of consciousness, not about copies. From an earlier comment posted, you mention disintegration and reintegration. If we're just transcribing the data into new atoms on the other side, continuity of consciousness will not transfer over. Well, to be more precise, the individual on the other side will believe it has, and to the rest of the world I will be functionally the exact same being. This doesn't matter to me though, because my specific consciousness no longer exists. If we're actually using the exact same atoms after disintegration, I couldn't tell you if that would work. I sure as shit wouldn't be trying it though.

  2. My family and friends do things daily I am not interested in, including things which they find to be convenient or important to their daily lives. I'll be fine, but I also wouldn't bother stopping them either. From my perspective, their original continuity of consciousness is irrelevant to me. They will live, feel, and act the exact same regardless. It only matters to the self, and the new iteration will always feel as if their continuity is unbroken.