In the era of driver-less cars, fitness meters on our bodies, and GPS tracking, how about altering our mind and body rather than just tracking us? When you read the headline, you probably thought to yourself … “OK, I already know that. My phone is never more than arms-length away from me.” However, no, that’s not where I will be going with this article.
Wearable technology is connecting, measuring, and tracking us everywhere. This type of technology would have been the focus (and comedy) of sci-fi movies, nerds and cartoons. Now it’s reality. Scientists are currently developing technology where users are directly controlled by the data their device receives and transmits.
So what is it? Technology startups are working on this cyborg-like science as you read this blog. They hope to develop the ability to alter your mind by sending signals from a smartphone, using Bluetooth technology, directly to your body. The body will then process the electronic signals sent to the nerves in the neck or head.
How does it work? The user can set the situation through a smartphone app to influence a mood. The user could request the device to create an energetic mood. Or a more relaxed mood. Maybe even relieve pain. Chiropractors use a form of this technology through electronic muscle stimulation (EMS) to create muscle contraction through electronic impulses.
Example: One example is Thync, a mood and energy altering headset. The device uses “” The headset is controlled by an accompanying smartphone app which regulates the headsets “Vibes”. Some of the “Vibes” include relaxation modules and one that gets you jacked up to workout. Thync gives you regulated electrostimuli to evoke a response. This is by no means a promotion or review for a product but gives you a sense for what type of technology is being developed.
What could it achieve? The greatest influence of this technology could be in pain relief. Imagine being able to wear technology controlled by a smartphone which would help with various ailments (arthritis, sciatica, etc.).
Patients could supplement a clinical treatment on a daily basis between doctor’s appointments. Maybe even collect data as the treatment is administered by the wearable technology and provide it to the medical personnel. This could lower the cost of health care while increasing health and wellness.
What are the implications? Where do we begin…
- First and foremost, self-diagnosis and treatment while eliminating the need for trained medical professionals could be problematic. Over treatment and misdiagnosis could lead to increased health issues.
- Then there are the issues of the quality and integrity of the mobile app and wearable device. These startups need to integrate the training, education and knowledge of various medical professionals. This process would provide the quality and medical foundation necessary to ensure the safety of the user.
- It is also important that there is a medical “grounding” in the way the device operates along with physiological functions. We do not need more “snake oil” cures for the various health issues afflicting our population.
- Having said that, as much as it is difficult to admit, government and independent testing of the technology to ensure its safety, implications and benefit is necessary.
In the current technological environment, our ability to innovate, design, develop and promote the benefits to our society is often outflanked by a thoughtful process of its need, safety and challenges.
Gee, imagine if professors could control the learning and educational behavior of our students for a positive result? Hmmm. Grin.