Neuralink: Innovation or danger?
“Imagine the joy of connecting with your loved ones, browsing the web or even playing games using only your thoughts,” Neuralink, Elon Musk’s neurotechnology company that has developed implantable brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), says in its video. What seemed feasible only in Sci-Fi movies has become a reality.
A few weeks ago, Neuralink implanted its first chip in a human brain, whose identity is unknown. According to Musk’s post on X, the patient is recovering, showing “promising neuron spike detection,” without providing any further details.
Launched in 2016, Neuralink has created implantable computer chips that can ease activities of the millions who suffer from paralysis, stroke, and other such conditions. The chip aims to intercept the brain’s neural signals to transmit the singles into the limbs, allowing the patient to have full control over their body again. While Neuralink sounds like state-of-the-art technology that aims to save humanity, the lack of transparency of the information that the company provides is casting doubt on the credibility of its effectiveness and outcomes.
Neuralink, in theory, brings significant benefits and advantages. Not only is it known to help patients with paralysis and stroke, but also, according to Musk, it would be able to treat other illnesses such as obesity, autism, depression and schizophrenia. If the device is capable of doing everything that Musk and his company claims to be, the device will revolutionize humanity, even rewriting the history of science. Neuralink’s latest innovation, which intercepts neural signs and restores motor functions, will, needless to say, change the lives of the physically disabled. What makes the device more revolutionary is its convenient usage. Its technology, sending neural signals to devices such as mobile phones, allows users to quickly and easily search and communicate without having to move. What is being processed in the brain is automatically executed without delay. Slow network speeds or input delay will no longer be of any worry, as humans are able to connect with each other instantly. Moreover, since the device can store information, its ability to remember and learn becomes significantly improved. However, all of these listed benefits are only what the company claims to be providing, and not much information has been released otherwise of what it is currently capable of doing.In contradiction to what the company is presenting, scientists argue that science has yet to advance and what Neuralink is proposing cannot be flawless. For example, Neuralink can cause damage to our fragile brain tissue and even death if there are any mistakes or accidents upon implementation. Once a Neuralink is successfully implemented into someone’s brain, infections and inflammation are common risks, causing Alzheimer’s or dementia. Even past health risks, the Neuralink may pose cybersecurity risks. Imagine the consequence of data leaks if hackers gain access to the patients’ personal information.
Because Musk is such a leading figure in the technology industry, he obviously garners millions of fans evident on his social media website X, hence, a lot more safety precautions and measures should be taken; otherwise it may prove to be too large of a risk. Musk’s small yet mighty chips are able to seriously change how we live in the near future. If the serious risks of these chips aren’t considered carefully, the world can delve into a digital dystopia. Musk’s ultimate goal and vision is the merging of artificial intelligence and humanity, making us a smarter, superior and more perfect species - potentially trying to reach immortality. This brings serious ethical issues, however, as he is trying to change all known history and current human limits, norms and thoughts. This glimpse into the risk of a seriously disastrous and terrifying future is just starting from Musk’s new chip, and humanity as a whole needs to be careful moving forward with all of the recent technological developments.
