Brain-Computer Interfaces: Advantages and Disadvantages

A Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) is a technology which allows a human to control a computer, peripheral, or other electronic device with thought. It does so by using electrodes to detect electric signals in the brain which are sent to a computer. The computer then translates these electric signals into data which is used to control a computer or a device linked to a computer.

Advantages of BCI:

Eventually, this technology could:

• allow paralyzed people to control prosthetic limbs with their mind
• transmit visual images to the mind of a blind person, allowing them to see
• transmit auditory data to the mind of a def person, allowing them to hear
• allow gamers to control video games with their minds
• allow a mute person to have their thoughts displayed and spoken by a computer
  

Disadvantages of BCI:

• Research is still in beginning stages
• The current technology is crude
• Ethical issues may prevent its development
• Electrodes outside of the skull can detect very few electric signals from the brain
• Electrodes placed inside the skull create scar tissue in the brain