Insidious is a free Chrome add-on developed by MempoolSurfer that allows users to explore the capabilities of artificial intelligence (AI) in manipulating and controlling information. With Insidious, users can experience how AI can subtly alter streams of information in real-time, tailoring content specifically for each individual.

One of the main features of Insidious is its ability to replace all streams of information with subtly altered content. This tool showcases how new ideas can be slowly integrated, narratives can be manipulated, and online subcultures can be created, all by having access to these information streams. The only limitation at the moment is our trust in TLS (Transport Layer Security).

However, Insidious also highlights the positive aspects of AI. By setting aside training set biases, AI can be used to process the information users consume in real-time. It can provide insights into areas users have requested help with, simplify technical descriptions, explain biases in a text, and provide context for highly emotive pieces. Additionally, Insidious allows users to browse websites in foreign languages while still preserving the cultural nuances, understand content on platforms like TikTok, and navigate a world where trust is scarce.

It is important to note that Insidious requires users to have their own API key from the OpenAI Playground. Currently, only Wikipedia and Twitter integration is available, and a few paragraphs from these sources will be sent to OpenAI for processing. The goal is to eventually remove the need for the API call and provide a fully local experience.

Insidious offers a thought-provoking exploration of the powers of AI in controlling information. Whether users choose to use AI to control their own minds or to free themselves from manipulation is a decision that this tool encourages them to consider.