Years ago, scientists predicted that we would one day use our minds to operate our gadgets. Though true telepathy sounds like something you'd only see in movies, advancements in Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) are bringing us closer to that future than we think.
Hours ago, Elon Musk reported on X that Neuralink has witnessed a major breakthrough. Musk claims to have effectively implanted one of his wireless brain chips in a human. He promises that the patient is recovering and showing significant brain activity.
If his announcement is to be believed, Neuralink’s brain chip project will be among the few companies who've tried brain chip implantation without failing. The company is working on implants for the brain, aimed at enhancing human capabilities, memory, cognitive functions, and symbiosis with artificial intelligence.
Is human telepathy practically possible?
A report made by the Royal Society, an independent scientific academy in the UK, claims that symbiosis between the human mind and Artificial Intelligence (AI) is possible through BCIs. BCIs can connect the mind to a computer, and cause both to communicate wirelessly — or on an even weirder note, facilitate brain-to-brain connection.
Non-invasive BCIs use external sensors like Electroencephalography (EEG) and don't require implantation. The sensors sit on your scalp or near your head. In 2015, Facebook (now Meta) was working on similar technology, a headset that could decode and transcribe thoughts. Wearing one, you could visualize your message, and send it to other users on the social media platform without typing. But four years later, the project was discontinued.
Invasive BCIs like Musk’s threads target more advanced applications as they sit closer to the brain. You may be able to draw or manipulate virtual objects with your thoughts.
So in short, telepathy is possible, but not an easy task as you may think. There's much to consider, such as the high cost of sophisticated technology required to accurately connect unique minds and devices. Also, there's the issue of environmental noise or interference from other electronic devices.
Human telepathy will change the world, but are we ready for it?
Although BCI technology is still in a hypothetical phase, it boldly threatens the traditional ways we use our devices and raises privacy concerns. As it directly connects with the human brain, it means our thoughts and intentions are being recorded. Also, BCIs in device control could cause inequalities, somewhat like the existing banter between iPhone and Android users.
The technology won’t come cheap, and might not be universal at first. So anyone who can afford the technology to control smart home devices will be considered “rich” or “classy”, compared to someone who still swipes on their screen to get stuff done.
Unfortunately, there are no global laws for monitoring brain-computer interfaces, and experiments surrounding it. Neuralink's animal testing controversy alone raises ethical concerns. Around 1,500 animals were alleged to have been killed during Neuralink's testing. It’s unimaginable what could happen to a person wearing the chips in their body. Before we're ready to embrace telepathy, there must be transparency between scientists, policymakers, and the public to shape a world where it benefits everyone instead of causing harm.
