What are the primary ethical concerns associated with using BCIs to modify attention?

The primary ethical concerns associated with using brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) to modify attention revolve around autonomy, coercion, informed consent, and potential misuse. Autonomy is threatened if BCIs are used to manipulate an individual's attention without their voluntary and informed consent, effectively overriding their cognitive freedom to choose what to focus on. Coercion becomes a concern if individuals are pressured or required to use BCIs to enhance their attention, for example, in employment or educational settings, creating a power imbalance. Informed consent is crucial because users need a complete and understandable explanation of the risks, benefits, and limitations of using BCIs to modify attention, which can be complex and difficult to convey. Potential misuse includes using BCIs for surveillance, targeted advertising, or political manipulation, where an individual's attention is directed without their knowledge or consent for external gain. Further concerns include the potential for unequal access to BCI technology, exacerbating existing social inequalities, and the possibility of unintended psychological or neurological consequences from long-term BCI use. Addressing these ethical concerns is essential for ensuring responsible development and deployment of BCIs for attention modification.