2/17/2017 3 Comments Brain-to-Brain Interface #4Brain to brain interface (BBI) is one of the most complex, and ethically challenged technologies in existence today. BBI is the process of direct communication from one brain to another, without the use of speech. Interactions can happen between humans, as well as between humans and animals. Using an external device, the sender emits brain activity by way of a EEG (electroencephalography) to the receiver who is connected to a magnetic stimulation coil. Studies have been done with this process occurring as far away as 5,000 miles between the sender and the receiver.
As one can imagine, the potential of this technology is vast, and presents many opportunities as well as challenges. For example, what kind of security can an individual expect to have when they are allowing their brain to share information, or have it removed? If an idea is shared between two people, who is the owner of that information? Can an individual potentially receive information that may direct them to do behaviors or actions that they would not normally have done? Scientists who are studying BBI are aware that this technology could have tremendous therapeutic uses, imagine what the potential is for mental health and learning disorders alone. To further this idea, think of what stroke or dementia patients may can experience with this technology. Currently no legislation exists that would protect the rights of persons involved in the BBI process, and this presents an entire new area of discussion and exploration. The ethics are as complex as the technology, and will certainly be thoroughly explored in the near future. An example of this is what happens if one person transmits to another a fear, or a memory, or a personality trait this is not their own? Does the receiver then act upon it and who is held responsible for outcomes from this? While the potential from this technology is truly fascinating, the ethical and legal side effects from it must be studied and evaluated at the same time. We cannot have a technology such as this one in place without a system of checks and balances that will ensure the safety and privacy of those who are participating in it. How this will be developed and managed is of course something of great interest to me, as I am intensely interested in medical devices. Even the simplest of current medical devices such as health monitoring technology already present us with the opportunity for invasion of privacy and shared collective data. BBI takes it up several steps, and really enters an area that until now has remained the only last sacred place an individual still has- their brain. And yet, the argument for the possible benefits are equally as great, the idea that we could communicate with each other across vast distances and without communicating is a vision of a future world we do not yet know. I feel that this technology will be getting a great deal of attention as it continues to progress, and I may even find myself someday with a career in it.
3 Comments
Shaikh Sultani
5/18/2017 11:14:12 pm
Wow I never knew that this is something thats coming to fruition. I know its not something that is impossible but your blog has shown the light on this topic. Can you imagine it getting to the point where anyone can have a brain to brain interface? I just keep thinking about how students can help each other cheat during exams without anyone else knowing it.
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Mikey
5/23/2017 07:37:36 pm
this is a practice comment
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Cammron Keehley
5/23/2017 07:59:39 pm
Hey Luigi,
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