We often talk about smart mobile devices and their destructive effect on the human brain. It is clear that there are a number of issues that need to be addressed urgently. But what will it look like when these problems are solved?
Perhaps something like this:
- People will not be putting down their mobile phones or whatever these devices are called (we could call them personal terminals). They may take the form of a waterproof, shockproof wristband or something that is firmly attached to the head.
- Personal terminals will contain a series of exercises to strengthen mental abilities. These exercises will run automatically from time to time.
- The way we treat the brain in this new era can be compared to the way the human body works differently after heavy physical labour has been greatly reduced and people spend their time in gyms. This is much better for the body.
- Personal terminals will also include stupid, mind-numbing games or access to mind-numbing social networks, but there will be various time and other restrictions.
- Everything will be graded by price, so the brains of wealthier people will be more stimulated and their creativity and other intellectual abilities will grow more.
- The impact on the brain will be measured for each new application or feature.
Everything we need is already available or will soon be:
- Sufficient knowledge of the human brain
- Mobile technology
- The ability of governments to regulate markets and force providers to compete in ways that benefit the brain rather than destroy it. Western governments do not have this power, but governments in other civilisations do.
Other scenarios are possible, but this one seems quite likely.