The future of human sensory perception
Future technologies are poised to radically transform the way we interact with our environment by expanding our senses. New innovations will enable us to perceive a broader spectrum of electromagnetic wavelengths and see colors beyond the visible spectrum, such as ultraviolet and infrared. Similarly, advancements in auditory devices might make inaudible frequencies of sound newly perceptible, extending our hearing range to include the whispers of bats or the rumblings of seismic activity. Touch-sensitive technologies could be enhanced to detect subtle variations in pressure and texture, or even to feel the shape and intensity of electrical fields and radiation. Moreover, these technologies might also intertwine sensory experiences, inducing synesthetic-like phenomena where one could literally see sounds as vibrant visual patterns or colors, or taste textures through touch. This sensory crossover could not only enhance artistic and creative endeavors but also offer profound new ways of experiencing and understanding the world around us, blending our senses into a rich, interconnected tapestry of perception.
Imagine this. In the laser diode-lit streets of the LA Arts District in 2051, Julian was immersed in a profound psychedelic journey, thanks to his newly acquired Third Eye Chakra glasses. This revolutionary device not only augmented his natural capabilities, it reshaped his entire perceptual framework by combining a non-invasive BCI (brain-computer interface) with a multitude of sensors. It took Julian a few weeks of practice to build the neural pathways to fully utilize all the device’s features, after which he could detect the infrared and ultraviolet wavelengths swirling invisibly around him, phenomena that remained hidden to the unaided human eye. These wavelengths manifested as a mesmerizing array of colors that extended beyond the traditional visual spectrum and transformed his surroundings into a radiant, pulsating environment.
As Julian strolled through the district, adorned with dynamic laser diode-lit sculptures and expansive neurographic murals that responded to the emotions of passersby, his third eye translated these spectral lights into an ever-changing kaleidoscope of vivid hues and shapes. The streets thrummed with life, where even the subtlest light fluctuations contributed to the visual symphony.
For the first time, Julian witnesses advertisements visible only in ultraviolet wavelengths designed to target users with “Extensories,” or sensory extendors. These invisible ads pop up unexpectedly in public spaces, revealing themselves solely to those wearing the tech. This approach bypasses traditional ad blocks and bombards wearers with promotions, turning simple walks into gauntlets of unsolicited marketing. They are banned on Gallery Row, and as he turns the corner, Julian is relieved to move past them.
The most enchanting feature of the Third Eye Chakra is its ability to perceive sound waves visually. Every whisper, the melody from nearby cafes, and the distant clang of the metro trail in this bustling urban setting became part of a visual experience. Sounds converted into waves and shapes; frequency and timbre converted into color, blending seamlessly with the visual artistry around him. This interplay of sight and sound wove a complex tapestry of experiences, wherein Julian “saw” the vibrational beauty of sounds as they intermingled with the luminescent art of the district.
This sensory expansion did more than enhance Julian’s perception — it redefined it, merging the audible with the visible into a singular, immersive experience. The rhythms and melodies of the district didn’t just resonate within him; they were a spectacle to behold, painting a living canvas that pulsed with transcendent beauty and complexity. Through the Third Eye Chakra, Julian not only witnessed but fully experienced a new dimension of reality, one where the unseen and unheard were brought to life in a vivid display of psychedelic splendor.
Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) that extend human sensing capabilities have the potential to revolutionize neurotherapeutic approaches, providing novel treatments for a range of cognitive disorders. By stimulating specific neural pathways, these BCIs could help maintain or enhance cognitive functions, potentially slowing or reversing age-related cognitive decline. For example, by engaging the brain in complex sensory interactions that require processing power and cognitive flexibility, these technologies might promote neuroplasticity and strengthen neural networks in the human brain, akin to exercising muscles to keep them strong.
In the context of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), BCIs could be used to safely simulate and modulate traumatic memories in a controlled environment, gradually desensitizing individuals and reducing symptoms. Additionally, these interfaces could be tailored to stimulate or inhibit certain brain regions to treat conditions like depression, anxiety, and other neuro-cognitive disorders, offering a personalized therapeutic approach. This targeted stimulation could correct dysfunctional neural patterns and facilitate a healthier cognitive state, ushering in a new era of mental health treatment where technology and neuroscience converge with art and design to heal and enhance the human mind.
At the age of 81, Julian has experienced a remarkable rejuvenation thanks to his Third Eye Chakra device. This advanced technology has not only enhanced his sensory perceptions but also significantly improved his cognitive functions, memory, and overall mood. The device’s ability to stimulate neural pathways has kept his mind sharp and active, and he is warding off the typical declines associated with aging, as well as his natural tendencies of anxiety and depression. Instead of spending his days confined at home and managing the myriad ailments that often accompany advanced age, Julian is out and about, exploring the vibrant streets of the Arts District. This newfound vitality has transformed his golden years into a period of continuous discovery and engagement. The Third Eye Chakra has truly given Julian a second youth, making every day vibrant and full of potential.
Sources:
Brain-Machine Interfaces to Assist the Blind by Maurice Ptito, Maxime Bleau, Ismael Djerourou, Samuel Pare, Fabien C. Schneider, and Daniel-Robert Chebat. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, February 9 2021. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2021.638887
Analyzing and computing humans by means of the brain using Brain-Computer Interfaces — understanding the user — previous evidence, self-relevance and the user’s self-concept as potential superordinate human factors of relevance by Cornelia Herbert. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, February 16 2024. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2023.1286895
Brain-computer interface: trend, challenges, and threats by Maiseli B, Abdalla AT, Massawe LV, Mbise M, Mkocha K, Nassor NA, Ismail M, Michael J, Kimambo S. Brain Inform. August 4, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10403483/
Brain-Computer Interface: Advancement and Challenges by Mridha MF, Das SC, Kabir MM, Lima AA, Islam MR, Watanobe Y. Sensors (Basel). Aug 26, 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8433803/
What does the future of brain-computer interfaces look like? By Robert Barrie. Medical Device Network. February 16, 2024. https://www.medicaldevice-network.com/features/what-does-the-future-of-brain-computer-interfaces-look-like/
Agency and Accountability: Ethical Considerations for Brain-Computer Interfaces by Erika J. Davidoff. Rutgers Journal of Bioethics. Spring, 2020. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7654969/
