The field of neurotechnology has entered an era of impressive breakthroughs. In the past year, micro-implants in the brain have successfully deciphered internal speech in paralyzed patients, while eye implants have restored vision to others. These devices promise significant advances in the treatment of neurological diseases such as ALS, Parkinson’s, and paralysis.
However, the futuristic visions of the most prominent investors involved in this field, such as Elon Musk and Sam Altman, are causing serious concern among experts.
These tech magnates are actively promoting so-called transhumanist ideas:
-
Brain Uploading to a Computer: Elon Musk has stated that brain-computer interfaces like Neuralink may one day allow humans to “upload their memories into a computer or a robotic body.”
-
Human-AI Merge: Sam Altman (CEO of OpenAI) believes the merging of humans and AI is inevitable, which will lead to the expansion of human intelligence. As a sign of commitment to this vision, back in 2018 he donated $10,000 to an experimental project (to participate in a startup focused on “merge” technology).
According to Marcello Ienca, Professor of Neuroethics at the Technical University of Munich, these narratives “severely distort the entire picture.” Michael Hendricks, a neurobiologist at McGill University, believes the “silly transhumanist ideas” of wealthy individuals distract public attention from the real, medical potential of neurotechnologies.
Experts state that brain uploading and similar technologies are distant and, likely, impossible. Hendricks notes that this idea comes from people who “think too much about computers” and believe the brain is the hardware and consciousness is the software.
“The human biological system is not a computer,” Hendricks asserts.
One of the main dangers posed by this “scientific fiction noise” is that it could impede real medical progress.
Kristen Matthews, a lawyer working on privacy issues, states that “this science fiction hype may trigger new regulations that will slow down technological achievements that truly have the potential to help people.”
According to experts, energy and resources should be directed towards technologies that promise real, immediate help in solving health-related problems.
