UNIVERSITY OF THE CORDILLERAS
College of Nursing
Governor Pack Road, Baguio City, Philippines 2600
(+6374) 442-3316, 442-2564, 442-8219, 442-8256
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.bcf.edu.ph
Brain to Brain Interface
In Partial Fulfillment of the requirements in the
Course
SCIENCE 100N: Science, Technology & Society
Submitted By:
Binaccag, Kathy
Evangelista, Kimberly
Pojas, Ryan Carl
Submitted To:
Ma’am Beverly Bentres
June 29, 2024
Definition:
Brain to brain interface (BBI) enables direct communication between two brains via a
Brain Computer Interface (BCI) and bypasses the peripheral nervous system. This
discovery promises new possibilities for future battlefield technology.
Advantage:
1. Enhanced Communication:
- Imagine a scenario where two individuals, speaking different languages, can
communicate directly through thoughts. BBIs could potentially translate one
person's thoughts into another language, facilitating seamless communication
without language barriers.
2. Medical Applications:
- In the medical field, BBIs could revolutionize treatment for patients with severe
neurological disorders. For instance, in cases where patients are unable to
communicate verbally or through gestures, BBIs could enable them to convey their
needs and preferences directly to caregivers or medical staff.
3. Learning and Education:
In education, BBIs could transform how knowledge is transferred. Students could
potentially download information directly into their brains, accelerating the learning
process and providing personalized education experiences tailored to individual
learning styles.
4. Collaboration and Problem-Solving:
- In scientific research or engineering projects, BBIs could allow researchers to
share complex ideas and concepts instantaneously. This real-time exchange of
information could lead to faster problem-solving and innovation, enhancing
collaborative efforts across disciplines.
5. Enhanced Empathy and Emotional Connection:
- BBIs could deepen emotional connections between individuals by allowing them
to share not just thoughts and information, but also emotions and experiences
directly. This could foster empathy and understanding in personal relationships and
therapeutic settings.
6. Entertainment and Gaming:
- In virtual reality (VR) and gaming, BBIs could create highly immersive experiences
where players can interact with each other and the virtual environment using only
their thoughts. This could redefine the boundaries of entertainment and gaming by
offering unprecedented levels of engagement and realism.
7. Assistive Technologies:
- BBIs could be integrated into assistive technologies for individuals with disabilities.
For instance, people with mobility impairments could control robotic prosthetics or
other devices directly with their thoughts, enhancing their independence and
quality of life.
8. Emergency Response and Decision-Making
- During emergencies or critical situations, BBIs could enable rapid and precise
communication among first responders or military personnel. This could facilitate
quick decision-making and coordination, potentially saving lives in high-pressure
scenarios.
Disadvantage:
1.Privacy concern
Directly interfacing with the human brain through technologies like brain interfaces
raises significant ethical concerns regarding privacy, consent, and the potential for
manipulation or coercion. The ability of these interfaces to potentially access thoughts
and emotions without explicit consent poses serious privacy risks. Imagine a scenario
where someone's private thoughts could be accessed or shared without their
permission, violating their fundamental right to privacy.
2.Health Risks
- Using direct brain interfaces could lead to infections, tissue damage, or unintended
neurological problems, especially with invasive methods.
3.Dependency on Technology
-People might rely too much on brain interfaces for communication or control, which
could affect their independence and make them vulnerable if the technology fails.
4.Social and Psychological Impacts
- Introducing brain-to-brain communication could change how people interact socially
and affect cultural norms.
5.Inequality and Access
- Advanced brain technology could create a gap between those who can afford it
and those who can't, making inequalities worse.
6.Expensive
Ethical Dilemma:
1. Privacy Issues
● If a person has a brain-to-brain interference, you do not need to speak or
explain anything, but you still know what they are thinking. However, your
privacy and confidentiality will not be safeguarded because the computer has
access to your thoughts and how you think. However, if you do not follow
through with it, you will be unable to read the person's thoughts, but you will
maintain your privacy and confidentiality.
2. Autonomy and Freedom
● Everyone has the right to make their own decision but, if you undergo the Brain
to Brain Interface you will lose your autonomy/freedom to make decisions
because the computer attached to you has access to your thoughts. You are
controlled on how to make your own decision. However if you don't go through
the procedure you still have your autonomy and you are free to make your own
decision in your life.
3. Health Risk
● A person getting a BBI has long-term impacts on their brain health, and they are
at significant risk of acquiring brain health disorders during or after the treatment.
However, if you do not go through the process, you are not at high risk for any
brain health issues.
Reference:
Vakilipour, P., & Fekrvand, S. (2024). Brain-to-brain interface technology: A brief
history, current state, and future goals. International Journal of Developmental
Neuroscience: The Official Journal of the International Society for Developmental
Neuroscience. https://doi.org/10.1002/jdn.10334
Hildt, E. (2019). Multi-Person Brain-To-Brain Interfaces: Ethical Issues. Frontiers in
Neuroscience, 13. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2019.01177
Latheef, S. (2022). Brain to Brain Interfaces (BBIs) in future military operations;
blurring the boundaries of individual responsibility. Monash Bioethics Review.
https://doi.org/10.1007/s40592-022-00171-7
