Would it be possible to hack the human brain and even take control of it?
And if the answer was yes (it’s yes – have you ever heard of a Cochlear hearing implant?), how would information be carried? Via electricity… or perhaps using light? And, as we better understand the science behind the most complex form of biohacking out there, what sort of things can we expect to come from our growing technological capability?
How about a new method to tackle or even prevent the most taxing of degenerative mental diseases. Or perhaps the most integrated gaming experience ever. Or advertisements that shoot directly into your head. Or the most invasive of spy devices conceivable.
The technology exists in its early forms already and is “becoming increasingly popular in the gaming and entertainment industries” according to a paper titled “On the Feasibility of Side-Channel Attacks with Brain-Computer Interfaces.” [Death and Taxes ]
Would you wire your brain into some future iteration of Second Life? Or are you scared that an enemy might try to tap into your brain?
The prospects are magnificent, but they blur the line between awesome and terrifying. Without further adieu, thanks to ASAP Science for the 3-minute knowledge hit below. Whatch, and find out for yourself how the basic science of brain hacking works.
Well, technically they’ve done all the work and found out for you. And I did a tiny bit more when I decided to drag my knuckles off the couch and put fingertips to keyboard. Which makes me wonder; could I hack my own brain and make it show a constant desire for physical fitness regimes rather than a propensity towards the couch. All so I can get abs alongside my lessons in neuroscience.
The point of ASAP Science is evident in the name. You ask them a scientific question and they get back to you on it with an answer… ASAP. So far, they’ve addressed tons of topics and their short sharp videos get millions of views and do the job of hacking into your brain’s comprehension centre. I really recommend you check these out to accompany your regular dose of Khan Academy.
Note from Author: If you’re one of the few people who thinks about these sort of things, then we’d love to hear you opinion on whether the benefits outweigh the dangers? Or if you want to post an article delving into this aspect of neuroscience in more detail, please let me know.