Does Neuralink Make You Smarter? (2024)

Does Neuralink Make You Smarter? (1)Pin

Regardless of how smart we think we may or may not already be, we’d all like to expand our cognitive capacities. Will Neuralink help us achieve this? Let’s find out!

Elon Musk is an intelligent man.

He’s the mastermind behind a slew of ground-breaking ventures that have effectively reinvented a number of technologies that we would have assumed were already mastered.

21st-century cars are pretty good, right? Musk didn’t think so and now we have Tesla – electric vehicles promoting clean energy that certainly stand out from the likes of the Nissan Leaf or the Peugeot e-208, regardless of which aspects you’re comparing.

SpaceX is another astonishing company founded by Elon. This venture includes launching rockets and satellites into space and eventually offering cheaper worldwide broadband and telecommunications.

Does Neuralink Make You Smarter? (2)Pin

Neuralink might just be his most exciting project yet. If you’ve yet to hear about this, it’s a chip that will be implanted into a person’s skull and attached to their brain that will have a number of uses, beginning with controlling computers with the mind.

Eventually, our brains will be connected to the internet. Will this mean we have immediate access to all and any information that can be found on the web? Or will we still have to “Google” things to find them out? Will the information that we collect be stored, eliminating the possibility to forget? Will “knowledge” become a thing of the past?

Will The Neuralink Chip Make People Smarter?

By dramatically reducing the time it takes to gather information, Neuralink will certainly render humankind a much smarter species than before, especially those that first take the step from human to cyborg by installing the N1 Neuralink Chip.

But if it were to become a level playing field – with everybody having the Neuralink N1 Chipset installed – the concept of being “smart” may become a thing of the past. Is having immediate access to all information really “knowledge”?

The dictionary definition of “smart” is “having or showing quick-witted intelligence”. Maybe the way we communicate the information we have access to will decipher how smart we are. Maybe the ability to comprehend information will decide whether it counts as knowledge or not.

What will Neuralink mean for the education system? What does Neuralink entail for a number of jobs within numerous industries around the world?

I’m certainly asking more questions than I’m answering. Questions that will likely not be answered until Elon Musk and the Neuralink team finally release more information.

Will Neuralink Help Us Keep Ahead Of Artificial Intelligence?

If you’ve seen Sci-Fi films like “I, Robot” and probably many others (I’m not much of a film guy), or read the likes of “Robopocalypse” or “How To Survive A Robot Uprising”, you’ll be familiar with the concept of robots taking over the world, spelling the end of mankind.

There are a few theories for how this could happen, from simply replacing the human workforce to a superintelligent AI seizing world power from the human race. Stephen Hawking and even Elon Musk himself have previously discussed the notion of taking preventative measures.

If we’re programming computers to learn, we need to be able to set limits on either what they can learn or what they can do with the information. It’s all about not losing control.

Neuralink is attempting to develop a symbiosis between a person and AI as part of a solution to stay up with machine learning. Neuralink has enlisted the help of a number of experts in the fields of flexible electrodes and brain physiology to achieve this goal.

Once installed, the neuro network will deliver artificial intelligence insights to the brain. Neuralink seeks to develop a “we” solution rather than a “us vs them” dilemma.

How Will Neuralink Work?

Neuralink, which will be installed by a surgical robot controlled by experienced neurosurgeons, is a small chip, the size of a coin, that will be attached to the skull and connected to the brain via a number of electrodes.

These electrodes can then decipher our brain’s electrical signals and convert them into an algorithm that a machine can understand. Neuralink will be able to read our thoughts and develop a method for us to communicate with machines without moving or making a sound.

The N1 chip’s purpose is to capture and trigger electrical spikes in our brain. A separate application will even also allow us to master various new skills.

It’s still not confirmed how this information will be communicated between the chip and our computers and devices, however, it is Bluetooth that is currently being used in the trials on pigs and monkeys. There could be new technology on the way to replace this, though, but that is unconfirmed.

Potential Dangers Of Neuralink

The susceptibility of Neuralink’s chip to hacking and malicious attacks is currently its major source of concern. This issue will be a big point of anxiety for both consumers and the company as a result of ‘digital death.’

The problem might result in serious harm to the individual, particularly if the chip is used for mobility; a “digital death” could render the person handicapped and lead to further injuries.

Although Elon Musk and Neuralink will put in a lot of effort to ensure the safety of N1 Chipset users, there are a few other issues that could arise, such as the aforementioned AI supremacy and an increase in criminal activities as simple as fraud if hackers find a way to access the information on the Chip or the device to which the information is being sent.

So far, with very little information being leaked to the media, a lot of this discussion is just speculation. Maybe the Neuralink Chip will render us all exceedingly intelligent, or maybe it won’t improve our knowledge much at all, much like how “an idiot with a smartphone is just a more efficient idiot”.

Does Neuralink Make You Smarter? (3)

Jake McEvoy

Jake is a professional copywriter, journalist, and life-long fan of technology. He covers news and user guides for KnowYourMobile.

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Does Neuralink Make You Smarter? (2024)

FAQs

Does Neuralink Make You Smarter? ›

Neuralink technology could help us become smarter by connecting our brains directly to computers, allowing us to access vast amounts of information at any time. It could also improve memory recall by recording memories and playing them back at a later date.

Will Neuralink improve IQ? ›

In brief, yes.

What will Neuralink do to your brain? ›

“A Neuralink-like device has the potential to enhance human memory, processing speed and cognitive abilities by creating a direct interface between the human brain and digital devices,” Alcaide said.

What are some of the benefits of Neuralink? ›

If successful, Elon Musk's Neuralink could enable precise control of prosthetic limbs, giving amputees natural motor skills. It could revolutionise treatment for conditions such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, and spinal cord injuries.

Can you learn skills with Neuralink? ›

The way we learn

In the first version, Neuralink will be controlled by a mobile app, which means phones are not going anywhere for now. The app will guide users so they can acquire new skills, such as controlling their keyboard or their mouse.

What raises IQ the most? ›

Training your memory, executive control, and visuospatial reasoning can help to boost your intelligence levels. The best way to train these areas of your brain is to engage in thoughtful activities and games, learn new skills, and keep your brain active.

What is the IQ of Elon Musk? ›

Like, is Elon Musk a genius? It answered, Elon Musk's IQ is reported to be 155, which is very high compared to the average of 100.

What is the negative side of Neuralink? ›

If Neuralink is implanted incorrectly, it can lead to infections and inflammation in the brain, which may result in an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease later in life.

How much does Neuralink cost? ›

1 NEURALINK = 0.000008668 USD.

What problems can Neuralink solve? ›

While the broad aim of developing such a brain-computer interface (BCI) is to allow humans to be competitive with AI, Musk wants Neuralink to solve immediate problems like the treatment of Parkinson's disease and brain ailments from depression and anxiety, dementia and even paralysis.

Will Neuralink help memory? ›

"In the future, you'll be able to save and replay memories," Musk said in a Neuralink presentation. "You could potentially download them into a new body or into a robot body." But there are some less-dystopian positives that the chip is aiming for such as helping with blindness, hearing loss, and paralysis.

Did Neuralink get FDA approval? ›

Elon Musk's Neuralink wins FDA approval for human study of brain implants.

What brain chips are like Neuralink? ›

Synchron, a competitor making a BCI implant, has won the agency's blessing for human trials. Like Neuralink, Synchron aims to help paralyzed people type with their minds.

Who is eligible for Neuralink? ›

Anyone within the United States who is at least 18 years old and the age of majority in their state, who is able to consent, and who has quadriplegia, paraplegia, vision loss, hearing loss, and/or the inability to speak, is invited to participate in the Patient Registry.

How do you qualify for Neuralink? ›

A patient registry on Neuralink's website indicates that only patients with certain conditions — including paralysis, blindness, deafness or the inability to speak — are eligible to participate.

Is Neuralink doing human testing? ›

United States regulators have given approval for Elon Musk's start-up Neuralink to test its brain implants on people.

What IQ puts you in top 1%? ›

IQ percentiles and rarity
IQ test scorePercentileTop X%
13599th1.00%
13999.5th0.50%
14799.9th0.10%
15699.99th0.01%
9 more rows

Does memorizing increase IQ? ›

Background: The process of memorizing various reading materials enhances the brain capacity to process, store, and assemble memories and increases the intelligence quotient (IQ) level.

Can IQ increase with age? ›

Yes. However, there is heavy debate over exactly how IQ and intelligence change with age. Studies have demonstrated that a person's fluid intelligence tends to decrease starting in their late 20s, while their crystallized intelligence tends to increase as they grow older.

What is Kanye's IQ? ›

Kanye says he scored a 133 on Mensa IQ test, compares his brain to women's bodies.

What is Mark Zuckerberg IQ? ›

There are several successful entrepreneurs who are known for their high IQ scores, such as: Jeff Bezos: The founder of Amazon, Bezos has an IQ estimated to be around 145. Mark Zuckerberg: The co-founder of Facebook, Zuckerberg has an IQ estimated to be around 152.

Is Neuralink technology ethical? ›

One of the main risks of the Neuralink is the potential for misuse or abuse of the technology. Because the device allows for direct communication between the brain and a computer, it could potentially be used to manipulate an individual's thoughts or behavior.

How long will it take for Neuralink? ›

Neuralink could begin to test the motor cortex technology in humans in as soon as six months, Musk said. “Obviously, we want to be extremely careful and certain that it will work well before putting a device in a human, but we're submitted, I think, most of our paperwork to the FDA,” he said.

Will Neuralink fix ADHD? ›

No, because there is no research on how Nerualink will benefit people at all.

Why is Neuralink being investigated? ›

Elon Musk's Neuralink is being investigated by regulators for allegedly packaging and transporting contaminated hardware in an unsafe manner. An animal-welfare group said it obtained public records that suggest Neuralink may have mishandled devices carrying infectious pathogens that posed risks to human health in 2019.

What's the goal of Neuralink? ›

WHAT IS NEURALINK DEVELOPING? Founded in 2016 by Musk and a group of engineers, Neuralink is building a brain chip interface that can be implanted within the skull, which it says could eventually help disabled patients to move and communicate again, and also restore vision.

Can Neuralink read your mind? ›

Short answer: no. ʺWe cannot read people's minds. The amount of information that we can decode from the brain is very limited,ʺ said Giacomo Valle, a neural engineer at the University of Chicago, US.

Can I buy into Neuralink? ›

Make the purchase on your chosen platform

If you do have to purchase Neuralink with another crypto, you'll need to first create a crypto wallet that supports Neuralink, then you'll buy the first currency and use it to buy Neuralink on the platform you chose. If you get stuck, most platforms provide guides.

Have human trials started for Neuralink? ›

In a remarkable leap forward for neuroscience and technological innovation, Elon Musk's brain implant company Neuralink has officially received approval from the FDA to begin the first human trials of its groundbreaking brain-computer interface. The announcement was made via Twitter.

Who is funding Neuralink? ›

Raison and Valor Equity Partners are the most recent investors. Neuralink has a post-money valuation in the range of $500M to $1B as of Jun 30, 2021 , according to PrivCo.

How many people have brain chips? ›

More than three dozen people have so far received it. The device was first implanted in a human in 2004. Company leaders hope to bring it to market soon, announcing in 2021 they aimed for the next year. “We are the only business with direct-brain BCI implants in humans,” said Marcus Gerhardt, co-founder of Blackrock.

Do brain chips like Neuralink cause strange cognitive changes? ›

Just be warned: according to a fascinating story by Insider, research has linked brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) like the one Neuralink is working on to bizarre, unpredictable and little-understood cognitive changes — including some that might completely alter your identity and sense of self.

Can you get an MRI with Neuralink? ›

However, interactions between the magnetic resonance (MR) environment and implants pose severe health risks to the patient. Nevertheless, neural implant recipients regularly undergo MRI examinations, and adverse events are rarely reported.

What are alternatives to Neuralink? ›

Companies at the forefront of BCI technology:
  • Neuralink. ...
  • Kernel. ...
  • Neurable. ...
  • BrainCo. ...
  • Emotiv. ...
  • OpenBCI. ...
  • MindMaze. ...
  • CTRL-labs (acquired by Facebook)
Apr 4, 2023

Who makes microchips for humans? ›

In 2021, a British/Polish firm known as Walletmor announced that it had become the first company to sell implantable payment microchips to everyday consumers.

Is Neuralink private or public? ›

In summary, Neuralink, co-founded by Elon Musk, is a private company, so public share purchases aren't possible. It's a pioneer in neurotechnology, creating advanced brain-machine interfaces.

What will brain chips do? ›

Inside a high-ceiling building, shaded with live oaks, engineers and scientists are building an electronic brain implant that would allow the mind to communicate directly with a computer, enabling a person to type by thinking about it.

What is the long term goal of Neuralink? ›

Musk said the long-term goal for Neuralink is to solve a potential existential risk in the future of humanity: artificial intelligence.

What makes a high IQ brain? ›

Overall, larger brain size and volume is associated with better cognitive functioning and higher intelligence. The specific regions that show the most robust correlation between volume and intelligence are the frontal, temporal and parietal lobes of the brain.

How much does the Neuralink cost? ›

1 NEURALINK = 0.000008668 USD.

Can Neuralink save memory? ›

"In the future, you'll be able to save and replay memories," Musk said in a Neuralink presentation. "You could potentially download them into a new body or into a robot body." But there are some less-dystopian positives that the chip is aiming for such as helping with blindness, hearing loss, and paralysis.

Has Neuralink been tested on humans? ›

How alarmed should we be? Elon Musk's brain-implant company Neuralink last week received regulatory approval to conduct the first clinical trial of its experimental device in humans.

What is Elon Musk's greatest fear? ›

Elon Musk said that there are three things that he fears: religious extremism, a declining birthrate and artificial intelligence going wrong. Tesla CEO Elon Musk is the richest man in the world.

What will Neuralink do for people in the future? ›

Neuralink's device has a chip that processes and transmits neural signals that could be transmitted to devices like a computer or a phone. The company hopes that a person would potentially be able to control a mouse, keyboard or other computer functions like text messaging with their thoughts.

Do high IQ people think faster? ›

Summary Researchers made a startling discovery about intelligence and decision-making speed. Their findings indicate that those with higher IQs are quicker when solving simple tasks, but take more time to resolve complex problems compared to those with lower IQs.

Do kids with ADHD have high IQ? ›

Does ADHD affect IQ? A popular misconception is that all children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are naturally smarter and have a higher IQ than children without ADHD. However, there is no correlation between this condition and intelligence.

What mental illness has a high IQ? ›

Studies have also found that higher IQ is associated with more mental illness, including depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.

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