Neurotechnology can be used to the detriment of humanity
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Neurotechnologies can be used not only for medical purposes, but also for the military, and scientists are concerned that their development can become a means for managing a large number of people simultaneously, and in "bad" hands this can lead to disastrous consequences.
Both doctors and scientists who are working on the creation of 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 by stimulating neurons and using electrodes helps to influence the behavior of patients with this ailment. But this technology can also be used to impose behavior, the execution of any orders that can even carry a mortal danger to a person. Also, scientists argue that neurotechnologies can help change the 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 perform absolutely everything without asking questions.
Today, scientists managed to achieve some independence in the transmission of signals from the brain to a computer that manages the computer. Experiments with animals have already been carried out and researchers have started trials with human participation.
Scientists try to adhere to scientific ethics, according to which the results of the work can not 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 fantastic works.
As already mentioned, effects on human behavior can be achieved by stimulation of brain cells through implanted electrodes. Today, stimulation successfully treats various damages to the nervous system, but researchers warn that neurostimulation can be used to harm a person, for example, to change a person and suggest the execution of certain actions.
All of these treatment methods are designed specifically for patients with resistance to drug therapy. Neural signals can also help patients after accidents with impaired motor functions, in addition, work in this area will help to better understand the principles of the brain, better understand the violations caused by a particular process and develop effective treatment.
In recent years, the development of neuroimaging has made it possible to better understand the human brain. Earlier, scientists' experiments were carried out exclusively on animals, which significantly hampered the study of cognitive functions. Today, scientists can subject a person to complex testing (non-invasive or minimally invasive) in order to understand the principle of the work of higher nervous activity, such as memory, speech, attention, etc.
Neuroimaging has both miraculous possibilities and limitations, and, according to scientists, it is necessary to approach with the use of these technologies with great care, however, as well as to other modern technologies.
[