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Introduction <p>Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have long been envisioned as technologies capable of enhancing human capabilities. Recent advancements, particularly the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) have significantly accelerated BCI development, expanding the boundaries of human-machine interaction. However, as this integration deepens, ethical concerns regarding the blurring of boundaries between humans and machines have become increasingly pronounced.</p> Methodology <p>This study employed a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with 20 Chinese experts in the fields of BCI and neuroscience from June to October 2021. The interviews explored their attitudes toward human-machine symbiosis and the associated ethical issues. Data were systematically coded and categorized to identify recurring ethical themes.</p> Results <p>Six key themes emerged from the analysis: (1) the issue of durability in human-machine symbiosis; (2) the risk of dependency or even addiction to BCI systems; (3) challenges in differentiating user autonomy from machine assistance; (4) impacts of BCIs on self-cognition and behavior, potentially leading to personal identity crises; (5) shared risks between humans and machines within symbiotic systems; and (6) vulnerabilities in these systems to brain hacking, signal interference, and privacy breaches.</p> Conclusion <p>This study highlights the distinct ethical concerns arising from strong versus weak symbiosis, particularly regarding durability, dependency, autonomy, identity, and privacy. Addressing these issues is critical to promoting ethically acceptable use. Additionally, establishing protocols for device removal is crucial to mitigate psychological impacts and identity crises when BCIs are discontinued or removed.</p>

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Ethical Challenges of Human-Machine Symbiosis in Brain-Computer Interfaces: Insights from Chinese Experts

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年6月17日

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  • Leqian Wu,
  • Haidan Chen

摘要

Introduction

Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) have long been envisioned as technologies capable of enhancing human capabilities. Recent advancements, particularly the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) have significantly accelerated BCI development, expanding the boundaries of human-machine interaction. However, as this integration deepens, ethical concerns regarding the blurring of boundaries between humans and machines have become increasingly pronounced.

Methodology

This study employed a qualitative approach using semi-structured interviews with 20 Chinese experts in the fields of BCI and neuroscience from June to October 2021. The interviews explored their attitudes toward human-machine symbiosis and the associated ethical issues. Data were systematically coded and categorized to identify recurring ethical themes.

Results

Six key themes emerged from the analysis: (1) the issue of durability in human-machine symbiosis; (2) the risk of dependency or even addiction to BCI systems; (3) challenges in differentiating user autonomy from machine assistance; (4) impacts of BCIs on self-cognition and behavior, potentially leading to personal identity crises; (5) shared risks between humans and machines within symbiotic systems; and (6) vulnerabilities in these systems to brain hacking, signal interference, and privacy breaches.

Conclusion

This study highlights the distinct ethical concerns arising from strong versus weak symbiosis, particularly regarding durability, dependency, autonomy, identity, and privacy. Addressing these issues is critical to promoting ethically acceptable use. Additionally, establishing protocols for device removal is crucial to mitigate psychological impacts and identity crises when BCIs are discontinued or removed.