The advent of technologies such as brain-computer-interfaces (BCIs), smart wearables and spatial computing – in the form of headsets, earplugs, watches, etc. – into the consumer market heralds a new era in the symbiotic relationship between technology and the human mind. These devices, along with their associated applications and immersive experiences have the potential to reshape the way we perceive, navigate, and interact with the world around us.
Technologies that interact with or record brain activity – often referred to as neurotechnologies – hold the potential to extend human cognition and improve well-being, transforming fields like education and mental health care. However, they also introduce ethical dilemmas and concerns, ranging from the risks associated with accessing and misusing neural and biometric data to the unintended consequences of overuse or reliance on these technologies on critical cognitive functions.
A variety of stakeholders acknowledge that the opportunity versus risk trade-off of these technologies must be carefully addressed, developing comprehensive governance frameworks from the early stages of design and deployment. Several governments and international bodies such as UNESCO and the OECD have initiated discussions on promoting responsible innovation while safeguarding consumers’ mental privacy and other fundamental “neurorights”. However, these discussions are in their nascent stages, and key questions such as whether existing governance structures are adequately equipped to mitigate the potential risks of neurotechnologies remain a subject of ongoing debate.
This project aims to support emerging policy conversations through multistakeholder engagement and interdisciplinary research on the potential effects of consumer neurotechnology on people's cognitive and socio-emotional capacities.
This research and impact program will explore the risks and opportunities of the widespread adoption of consumer neurotechnology, with a particular focus on smart wearables, BCIs and their associated applications and immersive environments.
At the heart of this research is a deep-seated inquiry into the interplay between technology and the human mind. We will explore how the everyday use of these devices could impact the way we feel, think, and interact with others and the world around us by recording and influencing our brains. Furthermore, the project will also seek to identify innovative tech-based solutions for human flourishing in a range of areas, such as education and mental-health.
The ultimate goal will be to advance recommendations to mitigate potential harms and maximize the individual and societal benefits of these transformative technologies.
To address these questions, we will bring together a diverse group of experts and stakeholders, including technologists, neuroscientists, ethicists, policymakers, and consumers, ensuring that their various perspectives are embedded into the output of the project.
Key questions to be explored include:
- How might neurotechnologies shape or influence core aspects of human cognition, such as our attention, memory, or problem-solving abilities?
- How should these consumer neurotechnologies be designed to enhance rather than degrade human cognitive functions and abilities?
- What if there are unforeseen cognitive side-effects to enhancement?
RESEARCH TEAM
RESEARCH TEAM