Would you believe it if I said that people in the future can read each other’s minds? Mind-reading technology, once a distinct dream, has now become a reality. It may sound like something from a science-fiction movie, but mind-reading technology has made its way into the lives of humans.
This ability to read human thoughts by detecting electrical impulses in the brain will soon transform society. However, a mystery surrounds how the reading technology works. So, keep reading this article to learn everything about mind-reading technology.
Table of Contents
What is mind-reading technology and how does it work
Have you noticed that social media platforms always recommend pictures and videos that are of your interest? This is the simplest example of mind-reading technology. Social media algorithms are developed in such a way that they analyze hundreds of your habits to predict what you want to do.
Similarly, scientists are using Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology now to predict what a person is thinking or going to do by analyzing the activity in their brain. The BCI can form a link between the brain and the machine. Thus, whenever the brain releases neural signals, BCI decodes them into commands. And, the machine uses the commands to give correct predictions.
But, you need to keep in consideration that these are initial developments. With improving technology, new devices for reading brain activity will also be invented. Companies like Google, Tesla, and Meta know this, and therefore, are investing in mind-reading technology to unlock its limitless potential.
What type of mind-reading technology exists today
Social media is the most common example of mind-reading technology. The algorithms used by social media platforms analyze the user’s behavior to anticipate what the user wants. For example, the posts that you see on social media are mostly those that generate your interest. It is because the algorithm studies what posts you watch and like regularly. And, after proper examination, the algorithm prepares a unique feed for you based on your preferences.
These social media algorithms, therefore, can understand your preferences in a way. However, there are more complex mind-reading technologies available in society today. It is because of the significant advancements humans made in the field of technology. Moreover, these mind-reading technologies have developed so much that they can even form images of what a brain is thinking. This is the case of research done at Radboud University.
In the research, the researchers placed two volunteers inside a functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scanner. Inside the fMRI scanner, they showed the volunteers’ human faces. The fMRI scans the neural activity in the brain by analyzing the blood flow.
And the data collected was sent to artificial intelligence (AI) software. The AI then generates accurate face images using the data. Brain-computer interfaces (BCI) are another mind-reading technology that exists currently. It can predict what a human is thinking by studying brain activity.
What is the future of mind-reading technology
At this point, the future of mind-reading technology seems limitless. We have already developed from difficult social media algorithms to complex AI technology to read minds. And, if we can figure out the absolute science behind mind-reading technology, technology can change society as we know it.
Right now, only simple tasks like moving a cursor can be performed by AI after reading minds. However, as technology develops further, we can give the command to AI to perform everyday tasks in our place through our minds. It may seem like a long shot. But, considering how much we have developed in recent years, this type of technology can become a reality in the coming decades.
Some idealists like Elon Musk even assert that with the help of mind-reading technology, humans can boost their physical and psychological capabilities. In short, mind-reading technology can create superhumans. However, unlike the last development, this may not be possible soon.
But, the most significant change that can occur with the help of mind-reading technology is the development of the healthcare industry. With the help of mind-reading technology, we could easily detect neurological diseases. In addition, we could also detect mental disorders like ADHD by using mind-reading technology.
However, this doesn’t end here. Scientists can use technology to predict what a person is going to do next. They can also use the technology to store an important memory from a person’s brain. There are so many possible uses of mind-reading technology that it is impossible to note them in one article.
Mind reading technology: a blessing or a curse?
While mind-reading technology may look like a blessing for human beings, it can easily turn into a curse. Yes, there are many positive uses of mind-reading technology. But, under the wrong hands, this technology can lead to adverse consequences.
Firstly, there will be a complete violation of one’s privacy. Privacy will eventually become a thing of the past. In addition, people can also uncover classified secrets that can cause chaos in society.
Thus, even though mind-reading technology seems like something of immense value, only time will tell if the technology is worth it.
Read also: Deep learning, how the technology that is revolutionizing AI works
