Truth Serum

I've been thinking about the effects of the two serums, and oddly enough actually found quite a few similar ones. Possibly, this is only or more often the case if there's an ovedose of at least one.

-They both put the person into a relaxed state, in which they don't want to struggle and simply agree with those talking to them- for Truth Serum, they agree to answer questions. (This is somewhat contradicted by the movie adding that Truth Serum causes pain if one struggles, but then most people wouldn't even be able to do that).

-When Tris was on Peace Serum (note that it was an overdose though), she said things spontaneously and sincerely, such as that neither Tobias nor her were very nice people, and so on. While this serum also puts one into a good mood, it still gets them to be in such a state that they would openly say things they often wouldn't- similar to alcohol or drugs irl.

So, with all that, it really feels like the two serums could actually be used interchangeably if needed.

Feel free to share your thoughts!

My guesses would be these, you can add your thoughts or an opposing point if there's one. WARNING: a mention of, well, using Death Serum on oneself.

Peace Serum

I don't really think any other faction would approve of it- Candor would view it as deceptive, Erudite as impairing mental abilities, Dauntless as cowardly/escaping into comfort, and Abnegation as self-serving. But there's a possibility Erudite and Abnegation would resort to it if it is in any way practical or helpful for others.

Truth Serum

I think only Amity would be strictly against it, as they are against saying things that might cause confict. Abnegation's view would depend on the use. Dauntless would like that it results in people being open, but would dislike that they needed the serum to do so. And Erudite would approve of it as it reveals information.

Memory Serum

I think only Amity would approve of it as it removes bad memories and feelings. Dauntless would find it cowardly, and the other two would disapprove of erasing information.

Death Serum

Amity would dislike it for obvious reasons. Abnegation would in the same way, they might accept using it on themselves to help others, although they do view suicide as selfish. Candor would probably depend on the circumstances. Dauntless could view it as brave and/or necessary to use either on oneself or another, as they view killing.

Simulation Serum (the variation with fears)

Candor and Erudite could like the information it gives about someone, and the latter would also value the psychological knowledge it can give, but then they both have reasons to dislike such direct contact with strong unpleasant emotions. Amity would definitely dislike it for that, and Abnegation additionally because it is self-centered.

Paralytic Serum

Erudite would value its practical use. Candor would probably dislike it simply because they dislike the feeling. Amity could use it as a physical equivalent to Peace Serum that works psychically, and when used on them they would maybe mind less than others, along with Abnegation, as both are passive and discouraged from complaining. Dauntless would maybe disapprove the most as they are very agaisnt passivity in many forms.

If you have any other thoughts, I'll be glad to hear!

I wonder what the effect would be, assuming that the result would be something like the sum of both and not a third hybrid effect. I'll write my thoughts, and you can add on or write other views.

Peace+Truth: both make one relaxed and not thinking about what they say. hey'd make the feeling even stronger. And the person would tell the truth, but in happy ways (so maybe that really is an ideal balance ha!).

Peace+Memory: one would end up feeling good but not knowing why. At least they'd feel better about suddenly losing memory.

Peace+Death: again, at least their last moments would be calm; in fact, if Death serum was ever used for humane reasons, for someone who'd die anyways but this would make it easier, adding Peace could help

Peace+Fear: sounds like they'd undo each other and leave one feeling neutral. If fears do appear, they'd just be okay with them and nothing much would happen. If the sim ends when they slow their heartbeats, it'd end immediately. Another mix that isn't so bad for exposure therapy, we could get people to gradually lessen the amount of Peace serum and keep feeling that way with fears themselves.

Peace+Paralytic: at least one wouldn't feel bad about being paralyzed.

Peace+Aptitude Test serum: it could result in Amity choices and give a false result.

Truth+Memory: if memories are really lost, Truth wouldn't be of much use, but if they actually exist somewhere. it could help

Truth+Death: hm, I guess we'd all know how the person feels about dying

Truth+Fear: it could increase fear and make it harder to calm down

Truth+Paralytic: not of much use as one couldn't talk

Truth+Aptitude Test sim: it'd mess with the bus part and make one look Candor

Memory+Death: one would die not knowing anything, but whether that's good depends on what they want

Memory+Fear: they couldn't really be fears if one doesn't remember them, but I'm not sure if sim would end or they'd be stuck, that is, if there need to be fears

Memory+Paralytic: one'd probably be surprised as to why they can't move, or assume they never could lol

Memory+Aptitude Test sim: I suppose reactions wouldn't change, albeit it's a bit tricky for Erudite to rely on knowledge then; ah and the only memory we'd have is the picture in the paper

Death+Fear: it'd be like having a nightmare about dying before we really die in sleep

Death+Paralytic: as shown, they have pretty much the same effect, maybe it's be faster

Death+Aptitude test sim: I guess the sim wouldn't matter, but the test admin would be confused if they didn't know about Death serum

Paralytic+Aptitude test sim: wouldn't change much as people don't move durign the sim anyways

Here are my thoughts:

(WARNING: possibly sensitive subject due to the use of Death Serum on oneself)

I'd agree to take Peace Serum if I feel very very bad, under the same circumstances I'd agree to take a painkiller or something such. Of course, not an overdose like Tris.

I'd take Truth Serum if someone didn't believe me something that's important for them to know is true. Yeah, no one guarantees what else I'll be asked until it wears off, but then I don't have an issue with answering most things.

I'd agree to Fear Serum if I needed to overcome or at least acknowledge a fear for an important reason, something like hypnosis or exposure therapy. But likely not just for the sake of it like I get the impression many fans would, unlike other serums many seem quite willing to take this one- although I wonder if they'd also agree to similar rl things I mentioned.

I'd agree to Simulation Serum for similar reasons, provided that I trust the person who gives it to me.

I'd take Paralytic Serum in a situation where it could be dangerous to move even a little, since I can't know if I'll suddenly sneeze or shiver etc.

But I wouldn't agree to the other two.

Memory Serum is out of the question for me because I hate the idea of destroying things I've found out, for the sake of experience and wisdom. An unpopular opnion of mine is that I never wish I hadn't found out something, I think it's always better to know for depth and insightfulness.

While I don't blame people who do this due to a serious psychological condition or to help someone (but I still don't think it's a good way), I dislike the idea of suicide even more than murder exactly because this is done to oneself, who doesn't stay to deal with it, but many do. So I wouldn't resort to Death Serum.

What are your thoughts?