Another what if thread...
-
Over the last 18 months I've seen various stories on how researchers and doctors are experimenting with brain implants to acheive various goals. About a year ago I read of a case where doctors had given a blind man back his sight using a brain implant. The most recent case I saw, was where researchers had implanted a monkey, that could then control a computer mouse cursor just by using thought. This seems to be one of the areas where reality is rapidly catching up with science fiction. Every time I read something on a tech news site, I see something else. Just yesterday, I saw a article about anti-gravity (Unverified, and not yet submitted for verification, but nonetheless interesting). I wonder how long it will be before works of science fiction are no longer classified as sci-fi, but contemporary drama. Anyway, my question to the lounge. Given that a future advance in implant technology is made that allows you to connect with a computer system, or other individuals, and is: a) Safe and painless, b) Discreet (no giant sockets in the back of the head), c) Unhackable (no ability to crack into your head and read or control your thoughts), d) Inexpensive. Would you take the plunge and get an implant? If not, why not?
John Judd wrote: Would you take the plunge and get an implant? Definitley. If it is safe, discreet and helpful then why the hell not? Communication is key to virtually everything and the more we can improve on it, augment it, the better. I just hope John (of the purple headed warrior kind) does not go through with his plan to EMP blast half the world. One requirement for this implant that I would though is a fail-safe "shut down" switch of some kind. A switch which I can just flick and it cuts power to the implant instantly. None of this fancy "hold power button in for 10 seconds to shut down" rubbish. regards, Paul Watson Bluegrass Cape Town, South Africa The greatest thing you'll ever learn is just to love, and to be loved in return - Moulin Rouge "Reports of my death have been greatly exaggerated."
-
Christian Graus wrote: I'm not searching at all, you keep flogging this life thing to me for some reason. I'd rather work on the CP screensaver any time.... Fair enough. With the kids screaming in the background I couldn't come up with anything better. Usually I throw in something about Tasmania allowing you another shot at an original Mainland putdown you do so well. Anyway why would you allow for stuff to be implanted in your head when there are bound to be major problems with it? Michael Martin Australia mjm68@tpg.com.au "He orginally got the Tweezers of Destruction through the scanners but then popped back outside for a smoke." - Chris Maunder 26/03/2002
Michael Martin wrote: Anyway why would you allow for stuff to be implanted in your head when there are bound to be major problems with it? I believe safety was listed amongst the conditions of the hypothetical. Besdies, it couldn't really make me any worse.... Christian The tragedy of cyberspace - that so much can travel so far, and yet mean so little. And you don't spend much time with the opposite sex working day and night, unless the pizza delivery person happens to be young, cute, single and female. I can assure you, I've consumed more than a programmer's allotment of pizza, and these conditions have never aligned. - Christopher Duncan - 18/04/2002
-
Michael Martin wrote: Anyway why would you allow for stuff to be implanted in your head when there are bound to be major problems with it? I believe safety was listed amongst the conditions of the hypothetical. Besdies, it couldn't really make me any worse.... Christian The tragedy of cyberspace - that so much can travel so far, and yet mean so little. And you don't spend much time with the opposite sex working day and night, unless the pizza delivery person happens to be young, cute, single and female. I can assure you, I've consumed more than a programmer's allotment of pizza, and these conditions have never aligned. - Christopher Duncan - 18/04/2002
Christian Graus wrote: I believe safety was listed amongst the conditions of the hypothetical. Yeah, but I think this about as likely as a bug free version of Windows. Christian Graus wrote: Besdies, it couldn't really make me any worse.... You just love making these gross assumptions don't you? ;P Michael Martin Australia mjm68@tpg.com.au "He orginally got the Tweezers of Destruction through the scanners but then popped back outside for a smoke." - Chris Maunder 26/03/2002