At the beginning of our century, people were obsessed with computer-powered brains and cyborgs. There were countless predictions regarding these AI-based human robots along with flying cars and building cities on Mars. Today, surpassing the limitations of our natural body, specifically, our brain, seems possible through advancements in neurological and engineering studies. However, experts warn about the possible impacts of a bleak cyborg future on our present ethical and social stature.
Age of BCI-Powered Cyborgs Will Come Sooner than Expected
The human brain's capability to interact directly with electronic devices is, believe it or not, already included in several types of research that are being conducted today. The limits of our biological brain will potentially be surpassed in the future, but considering the collective innovations around the world, the futuristic age may come sooner than we expect.
The search for exceeding our brain capacity to function was exhibited in several new studies, such as Elon Musk's Neuralink BMI brain chip, which aims to utilize functioning neurons for controlling external objects without contact, a feature our brains are not capable of. Another fresh study, published in the journal Brain Hemorrhages entitled "NCyborg Project - A new stroke rehabilitation pattern based on brain computer interface," has been under development to provide stroke patients a chance to move based on their patterns by utilizing a brain-computer interface.
This brain-computer interface or BCI projects use AI-based technology to power our biological brains, and both are possible solutions to people that experience neurological disorders like stroke, as well as severe spinal cord complications, dementia, and even Alzheimer's disease. However, studies like these that offer answers to untreatable conditions are theorized to have downsides and potential risks.
Impacts of Brain-Computer Interface to Present Age
Imperial College London ICL's experts recently presented a study that shows observations gathered from brain-computer interface mediums. The review was published in the journal APL Bioengineering entitled "Mind the gap: State-of-the-art technologies and applications for EEG-based brain-computer interfaces." ICL's review discusses the commercial brain-computer technology, its limitations, and possible humanitarian inflictions in our present age.
Brain-computer interface's most possible application is through electroencephalography or EEG. This system allows non-invasive monitoring of the biological brain through electrical activity. EEG-enabled brain-computer interface, also called eBCI device, is the most promising neurotechnology that can be easily achieved considering the present technological advancements. However, ICL warns us about the side effects of the eBCI, including social and ethical concerns, once it rolls out to the medical industry for public use.
Among the risks that the experts are threatened with is that the brain-computer interface may imprint effects on our own human experience. According to ICL bioengineering expert and co-author of the study Rylie Green, these neurotechnology devices become a coherent part of some patient's biological bodies. Several of them even refuse to remove the BCI devices after clinical trials.
Brain-computer interface, aside from physical and psychological effects, presents concern over privacy usage. Private companies that develop BCI devices may mingle with their subject's neural data and information, a case that could become a privacy breach, reports SciTechDaily.
BCI could affect our sense of self physically and mentally and could even have the power to snatch intimate information from our personal emotions and preferences. ICL's study raises possible dilemmas over the bleak cyborg future and attempts to ignite the interest of scientists, private manufacturers, policymakers, and even future users of the BCI technology to start discussing the pros and cons of a cyborg-ish future just waiting around the corner.
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