By AMIR GALBAN
Opinions Editor
On Jan. 28, 2024, Elon Musk inserted the very first Neuralink chip into a human subject. Previously tested on rats and mice, this chip supposedly enhances the brain’s cognitive functions such as memory, vision, and regains lost communicative skills. It is advertised for the elderly and is FDA approved.
Neuralink is ostensibly a computer for the brain, sending electrical currents back and forth, acting as a motor. Each wire contains sensors that can record and emit the electrical currents. Brain activity is captured by the electrodes/sensors not just when acting, but thinking as well. So who would benefit the most from “the link”? Older men and women are usually the ones with the most physical issues and decline. Inserting the coin-sized chip shall improve their mobility, train their brain to remember and stay focused, and essentially upgrade them into younger versions of themselves. People who have epilepsy or are paraplegic would benefit as well. The link should be able to mitigate and possibly reverse serious life or death issues.
The most important thing is safety. We have been trained to not care or just believe whatever when it comes to the technology made for us. In the movies and video games that go above and beyond to sell some extreme plots with this same scenario. It makes you think of the possibilities of how much more Neuralink can help others. The army for example. Imagine every soldier has an implant designed for combat and aerial scenarios to make them specialists in every facet. Think of the influence it would have on the youth who may choose to join the deadly tides of war, thinking they will automatically be safer. It would probably scare other countries. And what if it doesn’t work? This is a computer that is recording your every move, but not like a camera. Any malfunction could cause instant fatalities.
It’s still in the early stages but has tons of upsides. However, there are negatives that lead to questions.
This chip is basically a bunch of electrodes in your brain sending and receiving signals. The initial implant may cause infections or make someone’s condition worse. What if the wrong signal is sent and instead of sitting down, they jump? I’m sure the tech can keep up with the brain but that’s a risk we’d have to take.
The influence that the chip brings to the table will most likely change the world’s view of similar technology. If it’s successful, does that influence people with no mental or physical issues to be inclined to get the chip implanted? Will that even be allowed? The last thing we need is a purge with angry people feeling left out of something that is meant for specific patients. What if one of our senators or President ends up getting it? It would set a precedent that may not be positive. We have been super reliant on external sources of technology. It’s getting to the point where we will start to rely on internal sources to guide us.
There is one clinical trial open and volunteers will be followed for five years. Doesn’t that seem a bit intrusive? Does this mean in-house care? There is supposed to be an app that allows a keyboard function for ones who can’t talk and to give informal tips. I have named many positives, but this is technology we’re talking about. There are no guarantees. There will be many questions and predictions about how this will turn out, but for now we must wait and see.
