Using your brain in games might be bad for you

 
Although Sixaxis or the WiiMote may seem like the latest trend in game controllers, scientists are researching what would seem like the ultimate controller: the human brain. Researchers have been studying BCI, or brain-computer interfaces, as a way for people with disabilities to interact with their environment through a computer. By measuring the electrical activity in the brain, sensors attached to the head can amplify the signals and input the information into a computer where it gets translated into commands that can control a game or move stuff, like a robot arm or a wheelchair.

Some BCI-making companies are saying that the technology could be ready for the consumer market by 2008 but scientists are worried that in some cases this technology could affect the natural patterns of our brain. If, for example, a game requires for a player to lower his brain waves, staying in that state after the game could be dangerous. People who have experienced this kind of games have reported they have trouble focusing after playing. Scientists are worried that voluntarily altering one’s brainwaves might lead to attention deficits or other conditions so they are advocating for thoroughly testing this technology before releasing it to the public.

I totally agree with the testing, this field is totally new and I’m sure no one knows what to expect. I think it might be a little far fetched to think that the technology might actually mess with our thoughts and emotions but I could be wrong though. Maybe that dreaded day where we have to choose between a red pill and a blue one isn’t that far away. Just to be on the safe side I’m gonna start looking for a way to bust into Pescadero. I’m gonna need some backup when I try to take out Skynet.

Read[Wired]