NPR has a profile of one of the first people with quadriplegia to receive one of the neural implants that I’ve discussed from time to time. However, the story seems to be not so much about the effects of the implant as about the reporter’s concerns that we’re standing on the precipice of some weird Matrix-like world where everyone has a network jack drilled into their skulls. Fair enough. But I don’t think the machines are going to rise up and turn us into human batteries just yet. I don’t see much difference between a neural implant and a pacemaker. But because it’s the brain, people get all skittish and freaked out. I’m still dubious about the long-term prospects of this technology, but the analogies to SF films are overwrought and a bit hysterical.
I’m a student in this leadership development course sponsored by Civics Incorporated. One of the Humphrey Fellows hooked me up with the opportunity. Most of the students are in their 20s and 30s. I’m enjoying these opportunities to expand my circle of friends and colleagues. Not too long ago, it felt like my circle of friends had constricted to a relatively small group. I haven’t felt that way over these last few months. But this new class also has homework assignments, which I should get to now.
