Sociotechnical Plan for Neuralink
Neuralink is a company, that is developing an implanted device in the brain. This device creates a whole brain interface, where it provides input and output connections directly to the brain. This connection with technology is a literal one, where the device the human is more intertwined than ever in history. A we think about Sociotechnical Plan for Neuralink, we need to think in terms of the relationship between both workers and technology, as well as but also in the context of the society at large. Because what we are talking about, from a science fiction lens are the beginning of cyborg technology, where computer and human begin to intertwine.
In many ways, as articulated by Neuralink’s CEO and Founder Elon Musk at a demo in 2022 (CNET, 2022), we are already cyborgs in a way. Our phones and the internet are acting currently as extensions of ourselves. So much so that when we leave our phones behind, we often sense them vibrating or reach for them, similar to phantom limb syndrome felt by amputees. So, while implanted technology is not an illogical next steps, there are many things that as a society that should to be contemplated before such technology is introduced on a mass scale.
Scope of Neuralink
How Neuralink works, is that the devices replace a piece of subjects’ skill. Although exterior to the body is is in-set to be flush so that it is more organically set into the subject. Simplistically it is kind of like having an Apple Watch device replacing a piece of skill. And, as it matches the thickness of the skill it is virtually undetectable. The device has multiple “strings” that are connective wires which imbed into ultra-specific locations on the subjects’ brain. The device then can directly stimulate these regions, which then cause neurons within the brain to fire. Visualization of these synthetic neurons firing can be seen in in Figure 1.
Figure 1: Neuralink Brain Wave Output
Image Source: CNET (2022)
The purpose and benefits of Neuralink are detailed below, but ultimately this technology has widespread use cases that have yet to even be fully contemplated. In the end however, this level of a new method of interfacing with technology is both groundbreaking and inevitable.
Purpose of Neuralink
Detailed in the 2022 presentation (CNET, 2022), the long run the goal of Neuralink is to compete with AI and its computation abilities which are quickly outpacing humans. Neuralink allows a way for humans to level the playing field primarily by increasing bandwidth. Humans generally communicate and learn though a reality manual and textile process. Reading or writing, watching, and memorizing. Which in comparison to a computer is extremely slow. Neuralink opens a pathway for quicker input (learning) as we as output (communicating). In addition, there are numerous other ‘internal’ ways simulating brain activity can simplistically improve a human’s life. Two primary aims in the short term were relayed by Neuralink. The first goal is to restore vision. With most forms of blindness, the visual part of the cortex is still there and functioning, even if they’ve never seen before. As most blindness issues are with the eyes, signals from the brain attached to a camera device can create vision. Similar to the method in which cockier implants for hearing today circumvent the ears for hearing, a Neuralink device can affect any part of the brain not just one.
The Secondary application would be to target the motor cortex as well as spinal cord. Directly targeting these regions, devices can re-connect disconnected signals within the body, allowing both reversal of para and tetra pelagic to regain motor function. Images from the Neuralink presentation seen in Figure 2.
Supporting Forces
Mechanically speaking the continued development of embedded technology is acceleration, and while it may slow, is likely to reverse. The steps taken by Neuralink are cautious and measured, understanding that mishaps will set them back socially. This is the reason when doing experiments that are taking the live trial approach as one of being “confirmatory not exploratory”. Meaning they are not testing on live subjects, only using live subjects to confirm the technology tested on lab robots. From a demographic perspective the technology is heading into an ‘improving’ cycle, with the coming of age of the Artist (Homelander) generation (Strauss and Howe, 1997). As the generation experiencing crisis in early childhood, the mark of their young adulthood id one of improving. They are likely as a rising generation to continue the work of the previous generation, as opposed to the Millennial generation who were builders.
Figure 2: Neuralink Future Applications
Specifically, the greatest supporting force is the ownership of Elon Musk, who is likely the greatest technology thinker of the era. His involvements brings with it capital as well as trust by the community. However, his involvement can be both a supporting factor but also a liability, as the technology may lose support if he were to abandon the project.
Challenging Forces
The major headwind to the Neuralink project is the transition from a prototype, to one that is production ready. CEO Elon Musk relayed that it is “1000 times harder” to go from prototype to product (CNET, 2022). Even if the transition to production is developed, there are many social and ethical issues that surround the adoption of cyborg technology. Some tangible issues highlighted are the concerns around liability for medical negligence, personal privacy, and cyber security (Balaji and Bhandari, 2021). Also, technology as it relates to human health, such as MNRA vaccines, seen during the COVID-19 had a polarizing effect via social media (Hombal, 2021). The growth of this space will likely see further bifurcation of “naturalists” and “technologists” as humans weigh the existential need and health of the technology. From a demographic standpoint the technology will likely see a lull, as overprotective Nomad (Generation-X) generation takes leadership roles within the society. They will develop more community and cautious policies which may limit the development of individual focused technology, or ones that benefit the larger community. As this technology is likely polarizing both socially, and physically – with those wealthy enough to participate become de facto ‘super-humans’ this will not play well into the generational archetype of the next two decades of leadership.
Methods
In terms of developing a technique to analyze this technology, and its application to the larger society. I envision that the Delphi technique would be more likely leveraged. The Delphi Method is where a group or panel of experts are called to critique and opine on the technology, its applications, and its risks (The Decision Lab, 2022). The experts typically work independently on the question or problem, then present their findings. I would envision that a Congressional Hearing style debate, which have become more common for these issues in technology, would be the forum in which this debate takes place. The one tweak I’d imagine however is that the results will not be reviewed by the panel with the individual name of the opinion removed. As we live in a society where notoriety is profitable, despite the side of the debate taken, those doing the analysis will be hard pressed to not garnish credit for their opinion.
Conclusion
From a technology perspective Neuralink is the beginning of what, in a few generations, will likely be a launchpad for the human race. In the short term however, headwinds will likely slow broader adoption. This however may be a blessing in disguise, as it allows for continued iterations and improvements of the technology as time passes, assuming it continues to receive some form of support. Similar to how society reverted from a technology perspective during the great depression, as fundamental needs trumped advancement, we may see a similar lul over the next 10 to 20 years. Behind the scenes however, I am confident that the wealthy, who would directly benefit from the technology and have the means to support it, will continue to fund and develop the technology if only for their personal use. Which, in the long run will eventually gain more widespread adoption, as computers and flight did in the 20th century.
References
Balaji, K., & Bhandari, A. (2021). The Future of Engineering With the Brain: An Analysis of Neuralink. The Digital Future. https://thedigitalfuture.in/2021/02/19/the-future-of-engineering-with-the-brain-an-analysis-of-neuralink/
CNET. (2022). Elon Musk's Neuralink Show and Tell Event. CNet Highlights YouTube Channel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NhAU8p985-4
Hombal, A. (2021) A Sociotechnical Imaginary for Neuralink. University of Virginia. https://libraetd.lib.virginia.edu/downloads/t148fj017?filename=3_Hombal_Aishwarya_2021_BS_STSResearchPaper.pdf
Strauss, W., & Howe, N. (1997). The fourth turning: an American prophecy. New York, Broadway Books. ISBN: 055306682X
The Decision Lab. (2022). The Delphi Method Reference Guide. The Decision Lab. https://thedecisionlab.com/reference-guide/management/the-delphi-method
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