Google Brain Net

Does this sound like progress: Someday our brains will be able to upload. So that new manuscript or novel you’ve been thinking about will finally get written.

Advances in technology are moving toward just this. Already there is BrainNet which allows brain-to-brain communication for collaboration purposes. And, at this point in time, it is not a far step to imagine a device for the physically challenged where they can think a command and their chair steers them along. Perhaps in the future what we think can immediately be transmitted/translated onto a screen then sent via email or even telepathically.

Except I can envision a few small glitches. Who of us hasn’t gotten into trouble for inadvertently sending something out that goes viral in a bad way, that badly worded email to reply-all? Not everything we thing needs to be said, least of all put out there. I imagine many YouTube vloggers will one day cringe when they revisit earlier posts. Just like how political candidate\s wish to “take back” tweets from their college days.

As much as this might sound like an advancement—and, let’s face it, it will likely come to fruition—we might not be better off or more likely to produce the Great American Novel. I forsee some families breaking up, friendships ending. I had a friend who in the morning (not a good time for a lot of people) if caught off guard would likely tell you off in the elevator. I remember one time hearing her yell at someone who got on that they smelled. Yup, if you think it here, it will come out there, direct to print or audio.

There is so much wingding that flies through my brain, I’m glad no one knows what I’m thinking. As authors we should beware of certain technology.