People are always looking for an edge.
They want to find shortcuts. They want to come ahead of their competition.
Adopting a new technology before everyone else can give you that edge—as long as there aren’t any unforeseen side effects.
That’s will be the main argument for getting a neural implant.
It allows you to merge your mind with that of a computer.
You won’t have to control a computer with your hands. Rather, you can use the power of your mind and the connection afforded by the neural implant.
Don’t mess with your brain
Hands-free computer operation—eventually fully merging with a computer—isn’t worth the expense and the risk that comes along with having an operation performed on your brain. It probably won’t ever be.
There are exceptions, of course.
If you’re paralyzed, for example. If you’re going to be living in outer space and have to wear a spacesuit in the immense vacuum. Maybe in some other rare situations. Sure.
But mostly, we humans don’t come close to fully utilizing the capabilities of our bodies.
Do that first.
You’re capable of training yourself physically to do some amazing things. You don’t need it.
Take care of yourself. Baby yourself. Push yourself and allow yourself the time to recover.
Getting enough sleep is a big part of that. Understanding your emotions, how to learn, and how you approach problems is another.
Those steps might not be as “sexy” in some circles as getting a neural implant, but doing everything you can to max out those areas pays far bigger dividends with fewer potential downsides.
Take a long-term view
Take the long-term view of your mental and physical training. When you consider an action, ask yourself what the consequences are.
Sometimes it pays to be an early adopter; this isn’t going to be one of those times.
Problems will develop with the interface. There will be unforeseen consequences. New models will come out and you’ll be stuck with an old one. You’ll end up on some anti-rejection medication that will allow you to have the implant and that will affect your immune system.
Even so, there will still be problems with the body rejecting the implants. Blood clots. Botched operations.
There will be legal problems like patients who didn’t have everything go as advertised will have to go through arbitration.
The same thing happens with every new technology.
Usually, the potential disadvantage to being an early adopter is simply that you’ll waste your time on something that doesn’t take off like you hope or that you’ll pay more for fewer results. This time, however, the consequences may be far more grave. You’ll pay with the reduced functioning of your brain.
That’s far more serious because it involves your brain.
If the electric car doesn’t work out, you can always sell it and get something new.
Sometimes it pays to be an early adopter. In this case, it won’t.
From around the web:
Neuralink first human patient demonstration
Links to restore eyesight won’t work like regular human eyesight
What to know about brain implants
Also on the blog:
James Cobb RN, MSN is an emergency department nurse and has been alive long enough to see that new technology doesn’t always pay off. Risks and costs have to be balanced. When it comes to the adoption curve, it’s not always in one’s best interest to be an early adopter.
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