Work > Cyborg Turtles

Programming

Cyborg Turtles

Simulating the intricate socio-economic ramifications of widespread Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) adoption.

Outcome: Python simulation

Tools : Processing, Python

Duration: 4 days

Goals:

  1. Attempt to simulate the socio-economic effects of the adoption of BCIs.

  2. Incorporate real-world nuances into programmed turtles.

  3. Speculate on potential near-future crises, exploring their evolution within the simulation.

Jump to:

Crises

Prototype

Turtles

Observation

Future Scope

What Are BCIs?

Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) represent cutting-edge technology that establishes a direct communication pathway between the human brain and external devices or systems. These interfaces leverage neural signals, translating brain activity into actionable commands for computers or other devices. BCIs hold immense potential, offering possibilities ranging from assisting individuals with disabilities to enhancing cognitive capabilities. In the context of this project, the focus is on simulating the socio-economic impacts associated with the widespread adoption of BCIs, delving into the potential complexities and consequences that may arise within a simulated society.

Potential Crises

  • Equity

    To ensure technology equity, it's essential to recognize diverse user needs. Brain-computer interfaces can be complex and may not work as intended for everyone, even with training. Inclusive practices in BCI development are crucial, as biased training data can lead to functionality disparities, especially for groups more affected by specific neural injuries, like Black people with higher stroke rates.

  • Privacy

    Neurotechnology, while recording and transmitting brain data, requires careful consideration for privacy and security. Discussions on the privacy of neurological data must be balanced, as it doesn't readily reveal thoughts. Instead of focusing solely on new neuro-rights, a comprehensive approach to safeguarding personal data is necessary. Moreover, ensuring security against malicious interference is crucial for BCIs that modulate behavior.

  • Agency

    BCIs can challenge an individual's ability to control their actions.

    The concept of "ambiguous agency" reflects uncertainty and responsibility issues in neural interface users. If users fully identify with the BCI's actions, concerns may not arise. Misalignment between user intentions and BCI actions can be corrected through recalibration or retraining, but some users may face communication challenges, possibly causing psychological harm.

  • Security

    Safety is crucial in devices interfacing with humans, especially in brain-related technology. Non-implantable BCIs pose minimal physical risks, whereas implantable BCIs present greater safety concerns. Three main risks are associated with implantable BCIs: surgical risks during implantation, biocompatibility issues with the device, concerns about device longevity. However, the medical benefits of implantable BCIs may outweigh these risks, as they can offer more reliable neural signal detection compared to non-implantable BCIs.

Prototype

The prototype is a simulation that wishes to explore socioeconomic implications with the technological advancements in BCI, along with its widespread adoption. The Simulation tries to gauge socioeconomic disparities with the help of frameworks like HDI, Gini Coeffecient, Palma Ratio, etc..

Turtles

Turtle No. #231

IQ

Income

Educational Attainment

Age

Energy

Mental Ability

Each turtle has an array of values unique to it. Each stored value represents an attribute of the turtle, like its IQ, Age, Energy,etc..

Some of these values are variables and some are constants chosen at random upon the birth of the turtle.

These attribute can be picked up by functions, used as factors in an algorithm, and the output can be used to influence other attributes of the turtle.

How they Work

Rich

Poor

Young

Old

The grow method simulates the aging process of a turtle. If a turtle reaches the age of 40 and a random chance is met, the turtle is marked as not alive.

The get_color method calculates the color of a turtle based on its age. Alive turtles are represented in green with decreasing saturation, while dead turtles are shown in red.

Dies

Spawns random

The spawn_new_turtles function is responsible for spawning a random count of children turtles (between 0 and 3 ) near the parent’s location.

Observation

It is observed that after widespread adoption and development of BCIs, a social barrier is created. The size of the turtles above the rift does not reduce, while very few of the turtles that are below the rift are able to cross it and die off as they start to rise.

Inference

Economic Disparities: The simulation provides insights into potential economic disparities resulting from BCI adoption. Turtles above the rift may represent individuals or groups with higher economic resources, enabling them to access and benefit from the advanced technology. The lack of reduction in size for this group could symbolize economic prosperity and stability, and may lead to stratification and division

Inequality and Division: The observed lack of size reduction in turtles above the rift suggests a potential social inequality or division. Turtles above the rift might represent a group that has access to or benefits more from the BCI technology, leading to distinct characteristics that set them apart from the rest of the population. The limited ability of turtles below the rift to cross it and their subsequent decline may symbolize social barriers hindering certain segments of the population from benefiting or adapting to technological advancements.

Impact on Vulnerable Groups: The observed decline in turtles below the rift suggests a negative impact on a segment of the population that may be economically vulnerable or unable to adapt to the changes brought about by BCIs. Economic disparities, coupled with the rapid evolution of technology, can lead to marginalized groups being left behind, facing challenges that may lead to a decline in their well-being.

This simulation uses fundamental factors and a limited socio-economic framework. Results are based on a simplified model and may differ in a more comprehensive simulation. Interpret findings with awareness of these limitations.

Future Scope

To advance this project, key goals include implementing a system where children turtles inherit characteristics from their parent turtles. This enhancement aims to bring the simulation closer to real-world dynamics, potentially yielding diverse outcomes. Despite the current rudimentary stage, the simulation incorporates the factors for some socio-economic frameworks, including Social Identity Theory, Gini Coefficient, Social Mobility Index, Palma Ratio, Inequality adjusted HDI, and Intersectionality Analysis. These frameworks may be used further down the line to provide a more comprehensive analysis of the scenario. The future scope involves refining the model, incorporating additional frameworks, and exploring the multifaceted interactions within socio-economic systems.

Chaitanya Vats