Paper short abstract:

This paper explores three cases where participants in first-in-human trials of neural devices ("brain pioneers") 'repurposed' the neurotechnologies implanted in their brains to fulfill their own interests or aims. These include new ways to be creative, play video games, and challenge stigma.

Paper long abstract:

Research participants in long-term, first-in-human trials of implantable neural devices (“brain pioneers”) are critical to the success of the emerging field of neurotechnology (e.g., Neuralink, brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), deep brain stimulation (DBS) for treatment-resistant depression, etc.). While there is much hype surrounding these novel technologies and their potential to fundamentally alter human consciousness and communication, some brain pioneers take a more nuanced approach to articulating the “cool” new things they can do with these devices. From 2023 to 2024, we conducted eleven open-ended interviews: six with brain pioneers (four BCI users and two DBS users) and five with their care partners. Drawing on qualitative data obtained from these interviews, this paper explores some of the phenomenological descriptions made by participants about the neural technologies implanted in their brains. In particular, we consider three cases where users ‘repurposed’ the device to fit their own interests or aims. First, the use of a BCI to create artwork in photoshop (controlling the cursor with their brain), awakening a new avenue of creativity. Second, the ‘gamification’ of a BCI, using it to play video games directly with the brain to make the games more challenging than with conventional assistive controllers. Finally, and quite different from the BCI use-cases, the use of DBS as a neurotechnology of the self to challenge stigma surrounding treatment-resistant depression amongst one’s family and friends. We propose that these findings may offer glimpses of the new entanglements of mind, machine, and brain in the emerging field of neurotechnology.