The Neuralink tech that is being developed by Elon Musk's company uses thread-like electrodes that are embedded into the brain using a device similar to a sewing maching. The threads are implanted directly into the brain, but not directly connected to neurons.
Engadget:
This concept is truly dystopian & frightening to many people, but I think it is the next logical step in the "meta-volution" of the human mind.
As much I love the natural world and feel like it is good to disconnect from the web & devices from time to time, the organic structure of the brain will soon need to be augmented beyond the external digital tools we are currently using. The rate of digital information flow and capabilities of A.I. are just advancing too quickly for biological evolution to keep up.
Some of the abilities that could result from tech like Neuralink are:
• "Telepathic" brain-to-brain communication
• Instantaneous mathematical and scientific calculation
• Access to an unlimited databank of multi-sensory media
• Virtual or augmented reality that is directly experienced in the mind
• Expanded multi-dimensional consciousness beyond our current "single point" awareness
• Real-time language translation
• GPS combined with Google Maps to facilitate information-rich navigation
• Etc., etc., etc.
Yes, this technology has the potential for negative uses (mind hacking, unwanted advertising, inability to disconnect)... but ALL tools have that risk. This is the danger that sci-fi classics such as Star Trek's "Borg" and The Matrix have tried to warn us about. However, the same tools that could be extremely dangerous also have the potential to create amazing beauty & benefit for humanity.
As the late, great Timothy Leary said:
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"The level of intelligence has been tremendously increased, because people are thinking and communicating in terms of screens, and not in lettered books. Much of the real action is taking place in what is called cyberspace. People have learned how to boot up, activate, and transmit their brains.
Essentially, there’s a universe inside your brain. The number of connections possible inside your brain is limitless. And as people have learned to have more managerial and direct creative access to their brains, they have also developed matrices or networks of people that communicate electronically.
There are direct brain/computer link-ups. You can just jack yourself in and pilot your brain around in cyberspace-electronic space."
-Timothy Leary (Chaos & Cyber Culture)
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Below is the Apple iThink concept that I envision back in 2009:
The Monkey Buddha Achives:
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