Neuralink vs. Metaverse, Which Is Better?
The search for better technological solutions plays a vital role in human evolution. Without a doubt, these solutions are designed to address existing problems that affect individual lives. Such innovative concepts include immersive metaverse worlds and the upcoming Neuralink technology.
The Study of the Neuralink and the Unveiling of the Metaverse
In essence, a metaverse represents a virtual ecosystem that parallels the physical world. The term also refers to any technological protocol that allows users to access digital spaces.
Neuralink, on the other hand, functions as a neurotech business founded in 2016 by Elon Musk. The idea behind Neuralink is to monitor and stimulate brain activity through microchips.
While both solutions hope to improve human interactions, it is imperative to dissect various facts about them and get a clear picture of their potential.
Neuralink: Examining Brain Activity
Brain-related problems can be a touchy subject to expound on as it carries a lot of complexities. The human brain hosts billions of neurons that interact through electrical signals. Neuralink believes it can redefine this interaction by implanting a chip in the brain that produces electrodes. According to the company, neurons carry different types of information which help individuals process what they feel, think, and see. Going inside the brain is, therefore, an appropriate strategy that can help monitor neuron reactions.
This technology attaches threads into the brain and connects them with a neural implant called the Link. As such, the Link acts as a solution that triggers and transmits neural signals. Another intriguing part about Neuralink is the development of a brain-machine interface or BMI.
This technology will allow the brain to interact directly with computers, smartphones, and other devices. Ideally, Neuralink’s electrodes can interpret the brain’s electrical signals and convert them into algorithms. BMI tech will come into play at this point to break down and translate these algorithms through machines. That way, individuals can communicate and express themselves via computers/smartphones without talking.
Installing this chip is complicated since it involves placing wires in the brain. In that respect, the company plans to use specially developed robots to insert the chip. Leveraging robots allows Neuralink to achieve precision as they surgically place wires in mind.
Metaverse: A Virtual Economy
As mentioned earlier, the metaverse refers to a virtual space operating alongside the physical world. It generally assists users in accessing virtual worlds and interacting as digital entities. The metaverse combines various solutions such as AR/VR equipment, NFTs, and cryptocurrencies to achieve its intended purpose.
AR/VR equipment helps users discover different digital spaces, play games, or even attend meetings and events with others. Thus, the technology gives users a realistic feeling as they explore the animated world. Among the prominent companies on board with the metaverse, the idea includes Facebook, Nvidia, Roblox, and Microsoft, to mention a few.
Which Is Better?
The Metaverse Perspective
The metaverse and Neuralink have ambitious goals that can revolutionize the tech industry. For one, the presence of metaverse could greatly improve the blockchain gaming experience. These games run on a play-to-earn mechanism that lets players earn money by selling their gaming items. Metaverse worlds further enforce the idea of social interactions. It allows users to socialize in a digital arena, ultimately reducing physical contact and combating illnesses like COVID-19.
Businesses can also thrive in the metaverse, especially with a growing population of online shoppers. The technology enables business owners to generate revenue and gain exposure to new customers. In return, cryptocurrencies attract more adoption since they can act as payment mediums for goods and services.
Nonetheless, several downsides can affect the growth of metaverse concepts. Constant use of the technology may put an individual’s health at risk. Physical activities will become a thing of the past since users operate in an online-based world with fewer physical movements. The concept also requires adequate internet, making it less appropriate for those with lower connectivity.
Neuralink’s Pros and Cons
Neuralink’s technology aims to bring an innovative breakthrough in the medical field. The project believes it can restore damaged brain parts and reverse any paralytic condition. This fact alone means disabled individuals will have faster responses and improved physical performance. From a technological perspective, Neuralink is expected to improve human and machine relationships.
Patients can connect and control devices with their minds without moving or talking. Neuralink might help health experts understand the mind by monitoring a patient’s brain activity.
Brain-machine interfaces are also disadvantageous to some extent because they may attract infections or brain injury during surgery. The process could invade one’s privacy since it can decode and display every neuron reaction on a device.
Author’s Take
Elon’s aspiring project could create a new learning ground for neuroscientists. Individuals with spinal injuries and brain-related issues can become huge beneficiaries of this project. More importantly, it helps foster an advanced relationship between humans and devices.
Nevertheless, Neuralink may not be an appropriate way of establishing a digital connection compared to the metaverse. At the same time, disappearing into a metaverse world and constantly interacting with it could slow one’s mental growth.
Hence, the question of which technological innovation is better will narrow down to their implications and what society has to gain in the long run.
