Nita A. Farahany, Professor at Duke Law School, discusses the manipulation of brain and behavior with neurotechnologies, ethical concerns of dream incubation for marketing, neurotechnologies in the workplace, cognitive liberty, the impact of technology on self-knowledge, and a book recommendation on defending the right to think clearly in the age of neurotechnologies.
Neurotechnologies and algorithms have the power to shape our behavior and manipulate our attitudes through platforms like TikTok and other technologies.
The use of neurotechnology in workplaces raises concerns about privacy, surveillance, and potential exploitation of employees' brain data.
Governments are involved in neurotechnological advancements for purposes ranging from lie detection in police interrogations to cognitive warfare in the military, highlighting the need to update human rights to protect cognitive liberties.
Deep dives
The Implications of Neurotechnology and Brain Manipulation
Neurotechnologies and algorithms have the ability to track and decode our thoughts and emotions with increasing precision. Platforms like TikTok use predictive algorithms to understand our preferences and shape our behavior. The manipulation of our brains is not limited to neurotechnology alone, but also extends to other technologies like auto play features and notifications, which exploit shortcuts in our brains and keep us engaged. The book 'The Battle for Your Brain' explores the ethical implications of these manipulations and aims to draw a line between persuasive tactics and impermissible unethical manipulation.
The Rise of Brain Monitoring in the Workplace
Neurotechnologies are already being used in workplaces around the world for various purposes. Companies like SmartCap monitor employees' brainwave activity to track fatigue levels and attention. While this can be beneficial for safety and productivity, it also raises concerns about privacy and the potential for excessive surveillance. Some companies even use brain data as part of wellness programs, but the lack of clear regulations often allows employers to access and potentially sell this sensitive information. Meanwhile, employees in certain industries have unionized against the use of brain monitoring devices, highlighting the discomfort and fear associated with this technology.
The Role of Governments in Neurotechnological Advances
Governments have been increasingly involved in neurotechnological advancements. Some police departments use brain-based lie detection techniques to interrogate suspects, while others focus on developing brain functional biometrics for authentication purposes. The military is investing heavily in neurotechnology for both enhancing soldiers' capabilities and engaging in cognitive warfare. Cognitive warfare involves information and propaganda campaigns that target individuals' thoughts and emotions. There are also concerns about the development of brain-controlled weapons and the potential violation of cognitive liberties. Advocates push for the recognition of a right to cognitive liberty, which requires updating existing human rights to address the challenges posed by neurotechnology.
The Potential of Brain Monitoring Technology
Brain monitoring technology has made significant advancements, allowing for the collection of information about engagement, attention, fatigue levels, and basic elements like numbers, shapes, and faces. While it cannot decode complex thoughts or inner dialogues, it can still provide valuable insights into mental activity. This technology includes multi-functional devices like earbuds and watches, which can track brain activity and combine it with other activities, such as online browsing or purchases. While mind reading as commonly imagined is not possible, there is a significant amount of useful information that can be decoded from the brain.
The Implications and Risks of Brain Decoding
The decoding of brain activity raises concerns regarding privacy and potential risks. It has been shown that Fitbit data can be used in criminal cases to verify alibis. While present brain decoding technology cannot access deep thoughts or inner dialogues, it can gather sensitive information about a person's vulnerabilities, emotions, and biases. This information, combined with other behavioral data, poses potential risks, such as exploiting vulnerabilities for targeted marketing or coercion. While the technology is not at the level of science fiction, it has progressed enough to justify action and the establishment of safeguards to protect individuals' cognitive liberty.
Now is the moment to extend human rights to encompass cognitive rights proposes Duke Law School's Professor Nita A. Farahany in her just-published book The Battle for Your Brain: Defending the Right to Think Clearly in the Age of Neurotechnologies. She introduces the vast array of devices already deployed that can sample various forms of brain activity. In her book and in this far-reaching Artificial Intelligence & Equality podcast with Carnegie-Uehiro Fellow Wendell Wallach, Farahany outlines how even limited cognitive information collected by neurotechnologies can be combined with other data to enhance self-understanding or manipulate your attitudes or state of mind.