One Day We Will Link Our Brains to Computers

How do you feel about the future of AI (Artificial Intelligence)?

What do you think it means about linking our brains to computers?

Tech billionaire Elon Musk announced a new venture for linking brains to computers.

The company plans to develop brain implants that can treat brain problems. And it may one day be powerful enough to put humanity on a more even footing with possible future superintelligent computers.

Musk is the founder of both the electric-car company Tesla Motors and the private space-exploration firm SpaceX. He has become an outspoken doomsayer about the threat artificial intelligence might one day pose to the human race. Continued growth in AI ability could mean that machines can outthink and outmaneuver humans.

In a tweet Tuesday, Musk gave little information except to confirm Neuralink's name. And he tersely talked about the danger of failing to pursue direct brain-interface work.

Some neuroscientists and futurists, however, say to be careful about making claims that are big about neural interfaces.

Hooking a brain up directly to electronics is itself not new. Doctors insert electrodes in brains to deliver stimulation for treating such sicknesses such as Parkinson's disease, epilepsy and chronic pain. In experiments, these electronic sensors have let paralyzed people use brain signals to operate computers and move robotic arms. Last year, researchers reported that a man regained some movement in his own hand with a brain implant.

Try to guess the meaning of the words in bold and match them with their closest meaning from the choices in the right. Some of the answers are very close and have similar meaning. The meaning of these words is how they are used in the reading. Some of these words have different meanings in the dictionary depending on how they are used.

 The answers are below the table.

A=2, B=8, C=1, D=5, E=3, F=7, G=4, H=6

Some example sentences using the new words or phrases from the meaning of how they are used in the reading to help you understand better.

1.      The dentist replaced my bad teeth with implants.

2.      We need better team members and more money to put our team on an even footing with the other competitors.

3.      Some doomsayers think there will be war.

4.      The professor posed a question for the class to think about.

5.      He outmaneuvered all the other players on the field and scored a goal.

6.      Our boss was terse with us because he wanted the project finished tomorrow.

7.      I am pursuing my dream to work as an engineer in a foreign company.

8.      For some people, coffee gives stimulation in the morning.

Some questions using the new words/phrases. Try to use the words/phrases in your answer.

1.      How would you feel about a brain implant so your brain could communicate with a computer? What if the implant could fix a problem?

2.      In what ways do you think AI could not be on an even footing with humans?

3.      Are you positive or a doomsayer about the future? Why?

4.      If you met Mr Musk, what question would you pose to him?

5.      How would you feel about being outmaneuvered and outthought by a computer?

6.      When would you speak in a terse way with someone?

7.      Would you like to pursue a career/job in AI? Why or why not?

8.      What things stimulate you physically and emotionally?