• Everythingispenguins@lemmy.world
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    9 months ago

    So there are a number of Brain-Computer Interfaces with different degrees of invasiveness. The technology exists already to move a mouse with non invasive BIC devices. When you consider both the complications of invasive surgery and implantation of medical devices from startups, which may not exist to provide long term support for their technology. Combined with the long history of Elon Musk and his companies taking short cuts and failing to do due diligence before bringing a product to market. Makes this seem reckless at best.

    I have nothing against advancing technology, but we can do all of this without endangering people. In this case people who are more vulnerable because of disability. I am not against or dismissive of BIC technology. I am very concerned about Elon Musk and how he will cut corners. He could set back research and cause much more harm then good.

    Here is an article about how using start up culture in the bio medical world can effect the disabled when there tech is no longer supported.

    https://spectrum.ieee.org/bionic-eye-obsolete

    • pewter@lemmy.world
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      9 months ago

      The end goal isn’t just to create a brain-controlled mouse. When I’m talking about criticizing advancements because of what they can currently do this is part of my problem. Technology in this vein could be the precursor to mechanically regaining the ability to use your own limbs. People equate justifiably disliking Elon and specific issues with Neuralink to deriding technology in general.

      • Everythingispenguins@lemmy.world
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        9 months ago

        Did you read my comment? I specifically said I was not against BIC. I did specifically say that I felt Elon Musk could set research back by being sloppy.

        Just to be clear what Elon musk announced was not an advancement in the space of BIC. He is touting a pre-existing technology as an advancement. This from a company that has serious allegations raised about its scientific ethics. Elon has shown before that he doesn’t have a high level of concern and has repeatedly downplayed or suppressed negative information about his companies. There is no reason to believe he will not do the same at Neurolink. I think that anyone who hopes to see the advancement of BIC and the radical improvement to the quality of life for many disabled people it could bring. Should be very concerned about Elon’s role in space.

        • pewter@lemmy.world
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          9 months ago

          Did you read my comment?

          Yeah

          Just to be clear what Elon musk announced was not an advancement in the space of BIC. He is touting a pre-existing technology as an advancement.

          Yeah. He said they were controlling a mouse. it’s an advancement for his team, not for BCIs in general. I saw the video. He didn’t even sound that excited about it.

          Should be very concerned about Elon’s role in [this] space.

          This is the part I agree with, but it’s not where the criticism and jokes in this thread were directed even though he’s the biggest reason why people don’t like Neuralink.