During week 6, we had a roundtable discussion on issues related to our Writing Assignment 2. For my group, we had chosen the topic about the technology called computational modeling in brain studies. We had discussed about the benefits and the potential bad effects of the technology on society, and also the question whether institutions or government should regulate the use of this technology.
First of all, our group moderator, Lance, explained what is computational modeling in brain studies and its uses in modern day life. Computational modeling in brain studies is a technology that enables scientists to analyze how a human brain functions, how it processes information and thoughts. The technology is now widely used in medical domain to help those patient who a paralyzed to regain control of body motion and even communication. By using fMRI, scientists are able to scan a person’s brain and obtain the brain activation pattern, thus predict what the person is thinking.
For the side which opposes the regulations, Wei ling and Yi Xiang stated that the technology brings far more benefits than bad effects to the society. Based on studies by researchers, the technology has potential in the future to find out the causes and the solution for mental illness. Other than that, the machine also can serve as the purpose of detecting the people who has a high risk of obtaining mental illness. In addition, the machine is also able to treat ADHD patients. By providing a gaming environment, patients use brain-controlled virtual joysticks to play games, thus, it will enhances their concentration on certain object.
As for the side which supports regulations, Ei Hong pointed out a fact that, currently, the accuracy of the machine is still unreliable. The reason is, different people may have different perception on things, and thus, it causes difference in the brain activation pattern with the default pattern. Moreover, people with different culture have different thinking too. To add on, Phyllicia said that, when a person is feeling anxious, the machine will also give inaccurate results and initially when the machine is tested, the data used is only based on a few research subjects, and the number cannot represent the whole human population. For my own part, I stated out the point that the machine might violate human right, that is, human privacy is not ensured. If the machine is being overused, we might end up with a future where people’s thought is stored up as data files and brain scanning may be necessary during job interview or requirement for school.
In conclusion, we found out that, the technology still have many flaws and requires time and advance skills of scientists in the future to make it more accurate. So, we all agree on the conclusion that government should set up rules and regulations to protect the technology from being misused. It should be restrained for medical and crime investigation purposes instead of being a lie detector or a daily use machine for everybody.
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