On wireheading.

"However, the results from the Tulane study indicate that, even when given the opportunity, non-depressed humans do not compulsively stimulate themselves. It appears that most people are satisfied at a moderate level of stimulation, and do not value increased stimulation above their other goals. There was another case in which a woman with a deep brain stimulation device for treating pain developed addition to it when she found that it could also produce pleasure (Portenoy). Although there is not much data available about the potential addictiveness of wireheading, it appears that it varies depending on the type of stimulation and the individual, with only some setups leading to addiction.

Wireheading can also be compared to hypomania, a mild form of mania. Hypomanic episodes are common in people with bipolar disorder, who have both depressive and manic episodes. A small number of other people are persistently in a hypomanic state (Carey). People with hypomania generally more creative, motivated, and happy than normal (Carey). One of the negative effects of hypomania is lower inhibition causing poor decisions, although some people can control this (Carey).

So, an elevated mood is actually associated with more motivation, not less. Based on past instances of wireheading and comparisons with more common psychological phenomena, it appears that most forms of wireheading would not cause people to compulsively self- stimulate like rats or crack addicts; instead, it might even enhance people's motivation to pursue goals other than happiness."