Mark Zuckerberg dreams of gadgets that allow us to read through thoughts and communicate through brainwaves.
A new secret research division created by Facebook last year is developing “brain-computer interface technology”, which is very similar to the phenomenon of telepathy seen in science fiction movies.
Several recent job offers listed by the Building 8 group of Facebook describe a project involving “brain imaging” and “data in electrophysiology” to create “the platform of
“One day I think we’ll be able to exchange rich thoughts using this technology,” Mark Zuckerberg said during a question-and-answer session in June 2015. “You’ll just have to think of something and your friends will Immediately feel it also if you wish “.
Cerebral imaging is an advanced scientific field that uses a variety of techniques to scan and understand what happens in the human brain, while haptic technology simulates the sense of touch through computers.
It is not yet known what kind of technology could finally allow Facebook to realize this dream. Other companies have used banners with special sensors to measure brain signals in the past, and Facebook may take a similar approach.
Such a product, which would not emerge any time soon, would represent a major step forward in the IT field and would place Facebook, the world’s largest social network, at the forefront of the intersection between technology and science. Little is known about Building 8, apart from its general mission to develop computer products to advance the Facebook project of “Connecting the World”.
References:
http://www.businessinsider.com/facebooks-building-8-working-on-brain-computer-communication-platform-2017-1
Brain Computer Interface (BCI) technology is a form of technology which has a variety of potential applications for future development.
I think that in this form of technology there are a lot of advanteges, but care has to be taken in those areas where there are sensitive information.
Some of the good advantages of BCI are direct communication between brain and devices that can allows for example better living for paralyzed people.
From a commercial point of view, BCI can reduce the lag between deciding to move the mouse and the cursor actually moving. The lag is small but makes all the difference to some time-sensitive applications (military uses, computer games etc) because a BCI can know what you are thinking before you do.
While the disadvantages of BCI, reading people’s inner thoughts comes with a massive amount of ethical issues. For example, one ethical problem is whether it is
permissible to use BCIs to treat patients when their informed consent cannot be obtained (this is only an issue with people who are completely unable to communicate).
I think that now is too early to know what ethical and social issues will emerge from these technologies. Clearly, however, they will pose challenges for privacy.
Agree with Chiara on the dangers. Pretty scary to be honest. And I think, apart from the process of thinking itself, it’s human to have a distinction between thought and action, and to me action is already given by sharing the thought as Facebook encourages you to do.