Page - 103 - in Cyborg Mind - What Brain–Computer and Mind–Cyberspace Interfaces Mean for Cyberneuroethics

Cyberneuroethics • 103 In this regard, one possible societal benefit arising from such interfaces is the development of a more interactive and informed society. Of course, an individual linked to cyberspace in a more intimate way may not necessar- ily be more content with life and may still be socially inept. Nevertheless, if many in society have access to interfaces, this may enable them to have a better social life and be able to contact more people, while having access to immeasurable amounts of information. Another benefit of neuronal implants for society is that they may support many traits of day-to-day life, such as concentration and memory, thereby addressing the limitation of human nature. A fairer society may also result from such appliances that may be used to reduce some of the inherent inequalities that may exist between individuals. Furthermore, neuronal interfaces may enable individuals to achieve their full potential. Those with more limited access to information or those from deprived backgrounds could then begin to develop new skills.6 Risks for Society But in the same way that potential societal benefits may arise from neuro- nal interfaces, risks may also exist that require consideration, such as their unintended effects on a community, in that individual risks may impact on society as a whole. For instance, an increased dependence on interfaces may sometimes cause psychological illnesses, which may go beyond the individual to his or her family and to the wider community in terms of the increased risks for social problems as well as costs. In the same way, any increase in expectations to work harder and longer has implications beyond the indi- vidual and may give rise to family discord and lead to conflicts. Thus, even though neuronal interfaces may be seen as very useful to many individuals, a society also needs individuals to be caring, cooperative and attentive to the needs of others.7 Another concern about the use of such interfaces relates to the risk of coercion and experiencing pressure in a community to use a device, in that what may begin as an individual and free decision may very quickly become expected and even demanded by society. Vulnerable individuals may then be subject to peer pressure to use the devices in order to become part of the social group, with the possibility of experiencing stigmatisation if they refuse. Such risks of coercion are especially important in the context of interven- tions on the brain that may affect aspects of an individual’s personality and even the very nature of society if there are a large number of users. Neuronal interfaces may then alter the basic fabric of human life. If certain interfaces came to be seen as essential for public life, some political leaders may also be tempted to consider them for use at the This open access edition has been made available under a CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 license thanks to the support of Knowledge Unlatched. Not for resale.