Brain-Computer Interface technologies, also known as BCIs, are redefining neuro-science research in an effort to radically alter how humans interact with each other as well as computers in the future (Vaidyanathan, 2022). Elon Musk’s Neuralink, the Stentrode device by Synchon as well as Connexus by Paradromics are examples of emerging technologies that are leading research and development within this field. Each of these technologies were developed to help patients with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease which impair memory and mobility, and to help such patients have a better quality of life (Belkacem et al., 2020). In the last few years, neuroscientists have had great success using BCIs to enhance living conditions of patients through several clinical trials (Belkacem et al., 2020).
It is important to note however, that these implants currently only connect the brain to the computer, and not the other way around. People are naturally anxious when they get to learn about human-machine connections, but the current state of BCI technologies only allows the brain to act as a remote control, rather than allowing the computer to upload instructions to the brain. There is no need to be worried about BCIs influencing a user’s brain activity at this time since the technology has not evolved to that stage yet. However, industry pioneers like Musk view a rise in BCI technologies as a transformative breakthrough for reasons that go beyond simply medical ones (Tran, 2022). A question then arises, when do we go from simply using BCIs for therapy to allowing them to upload commands to our brain as a performance enhancer?
It is utterly crucial for us to continue to be wary of technology that takes away our freedom to make our own decisions. Despite the numerous internet privacy rules that have been implemented, we are aware that a few bad actors can still choose to acquire and sell our data without our permission. Currently, neither Neuralink, Synchon or Connexus allow for computer control of our brain (Mew, 2022), but when they do would we be willing to let a computer access our innermost thoughts? Such questions need to be discussed and answered before this progress is made accessible to the general public. Although BCIs are still in their development stages, they have the potential to drastically decrease or even do away with the need for invasive brain surgery (Mudgal et al., 2020). We should definitely not be naive to the advantages of such a breakthrough; however, it is also important that individuals feel comfortable about raising their opinion on the ethical issues with these types of technologies.
Bibliography
Belkacem, A.N. et al. (2020) “Brain computer interfaces for improving the quality of life of older adults and elderly patients,” Frontiers in Neuroscience, 14. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2020.00692.
Mew, A. (2022) The future is here: There’s now a brain implant that will turn your thoughts into texts, Evie Magazine. Available at: https://www.eviemagazine.com/post/the-future-is-here-brain-implant-turn-your-thoughts-into-texts.
Mudgal, S.K. et al. (2020) “Brain Computer Interface Advancement in Neurosciences: Applications and Issues,” Interdisciplinary Neurosurgery, 20, p. 100694. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.inat.2020.100694.
Tran, T.H. (2022) Scientists Express concern at Elon Musk’s Neuralink Brain Chip, Futurism. Futurism. Available at: https://futurism.com/neoscope/scientists-horror-elon-musks-neuralink.
Vaidyanathan, V. (2022) What is a brain computer interface?, Science ABC. Available at: https://www.scienceabc.com/innovation/what-is-a-brain-computer-interface.html.
Vaidyanathan, V. (2022) What is a brain computer interface?, Science ABC. Available at: https://www.scienceabc.com/innovation/what-is-a-brain-computer-interface.html.
