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Neurotechnology could be used to the detriment of humanity
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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Neurotechnology can be used not only for medical purposes, but also in the military, and scientists are concerned that their developments can become a means of controlling large numbers of people at the same time, and in the wrong hands this can lead to disastrous consequences.
Both doctors and scientists who work on creating new technologies have repeatedly stated that all their achievements, which are aimed exclusively at the benefit of humanity, can be used to harm people. For example, a new technology for treating Parkinson's disease using neuron stimulation and electrodes helps influence the behavior of patients with this disease. But this technology can also be used to impose behavior, to carry out any orders that can even be mortally dangerous for a person. Scientists also claim that neurotechnologies can help change personality, and if the developments fall into the hands of the military or terrorists, they can be used for completely different purposes, for example, to program people who will do absolutely everything without unnecessary questions.
Today, scientists have managed to achieve some independence in transmitting signals from the brain to the computer that controls the computer. Experiments have already been conducted with animals, and researchers have begun testing with humans.
Scientists try to adhere to scientific ethics, according to which the results of their work cannot be distorted by other researchers. But in the modern world, technology is moving forward at a rapid pace and it is possible that there will be those who want to control the brains of millions, as described in a number of science fiction works.
As already mentioned, human behavior can be influenced by stimulating brain cells through implanted electrodes. Today, stimulation successfully treats various injuries to the nervous system, but researchers warn that neurostimulation can also be used to harm a person, for example, to change personality and suggest performing certain actions.
All of these treatments are designed specifically for patients who are resistant to drug therapy. Neural signals can also help patients with motor impairments after accidents, and work in this area can help better understand how the brain works, better understand the disorders caused by a particular process, and develop effective treatments.
In recent years, the development of neuroimaging has allowed us to better understand the human brain. Previously, scientists conducted experiments exclusively on animals, which significantly slowed down the study of cognitive functions. Today, scientists can subject a person to complex tests (non-invasive or minimally invasive) to understand the principle of operation of higher nervous activity, such as memory, speech, attention, etc.
Neuroimaging has both wonderful possibilities and limitations, and scientists say that the use of these technologies should be approached with great caution, as with all modern technologies.
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