AI Now Capable of Reading Minds by Translating Thoughts into Text
(Photo from Nolan Zunk/University of Texas at Austin)
Researchers at the University of Texas at Austin have developed a non-invasive AI system that has the ability to translate a person’s thoughts into a stream of text, using algorithms to analyze the brain activity. The AI system functions by monitoring electrical signals that are generated by the brain when a person has a thought.
For example, when a participant heard the words “I don’t have my driver’s license yet” during the experiment with the AI system, the text transcribed was, “she has not even started to learn to drive yet.” With regard to the inaccuracy, neuroscientist Dr Alexander Huth mentioned, “Our system works at the level of ideas, semantics, meaning… This is the reason why what we get out is not the exact words, it’s the gist.”
The researches claim the potential applications of this AI system are vast. For example, it could be used to help people unable to communicate due to certain conditions. It could also be used to assist in the development of new technologies that enable people to control devices using their thoughts.
However, there are also concerns about the ethical implications of the system, with some experts showing concern that it could be used to invade people's privacy and extract information from their thoughts. Regarding this, the lead author of the study, Jerry Tang, mentioned, “‘We take very seriously the concerns that it could be used for bad purposes. We want to dedicate a lot of time moving forward to try to try to avoid that.”
Despite the concerns, this AI system represents a significant step forward in the field of STEM. As the technology continues to evolve, it is likely we will see even more sophisticated systems that are capable of accurately of reading and interpreting the human mind with exceptional precision.
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