63% of U.S. adults see the potential use of brain chip implants as ‘meddling with nature’ | Pew Research Center

March 14, 2022

6. Public cautious about enhancing cognitive function using computer chip implants in the brain

63% of U.S. adults see the potential use of brain chip implants as ‘meddling with nature’

63% of U.S. adults see the potential use of brain chip implants as ‘meddling with nature’

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63% of U.S. adults see the potential use of brain chip implants as ‘meddling with nature’

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6. Public cautious about enhancing cognitive function using computer chip implants in the brain
Majority of Americans say widespread use of brain chips to improve cognitive function would be bad for society
Few Americans say they would want a brain chip for improved processing of information
Majority of Americans say there would be pressure to get a brain chip
Most Americans are skeptical brain chips would improve decision-making
Women, highly religious Americans among most likely to view brain chip implants as a bad idea for society
63% of U.S. adults see the potential use of brain chip implants as ‘meddling with nature’
Most Americans worry about unintended effects from widespread use of brain chip implants
A majority of Americans say brain chips would increase economic inequality
About half of Americans say security failures and unwanted changes to brain would happen ‘a lot’ if brain chips were widely used
An overwhelming majority wants a higher standard to ensure the safety and effectiveness of brain chips
Majority of Americans think medical doctors who implant the brain chips should play a major role in setting standards
Americans are roughly divided over whether government would go too far or not far enough in regulating use of brain chips
Americans more open to brain chip implants for cognitive enhancement if effects could be turned off, implants could be put in place without surgery
Majorities favor using brain chips to help people who are paralyzed, treat age-related mental decline