Would you want a chip implanted in your brain to make you smarter?

[OS]

If there existed a computer chip brain implant that ONLY gave you flawless memory and mental arithmetic, would you get one? Why or why not? Assume that it's proven completely safe and that no one could like hack into your brain or control you and stuff like that.

 

[vi edit]

I'd wind up dead. I've already pissed off too many people because I have proved them wrong. If I had a "flawless memory" as you put it, I'd step on waaaaay too many toes.

 

[WombatWoman]

I saw "Johnny Mnemonic," and even though Keanu Reeves had a whopper of a memory, he was still dumb old "whoa is me" Keanu. There's more to being smart than just remembering things, but ...hmmm... at the moment I can't seem to recall what the other components of intelligence might be. I can, however, remember every phone number I have had since 1951.

 

[OS]

well, sloppy wording on my part for the "smarter" bit. I was using smarter as a generic word for the abilities I listed in my first post. I do agree that intelligence is comprised of many many subcomponents.

 

[JellyBaby]

<< flawless memory and mental arithmetic >>

OuterSquare,

Sounds like a recipe that'll destroy most interpersonal relationships!

WombatWoman,

Rest assured Keanu remembers the color of every surf board he's ever owned, rented or borrowed.

 

[kduncan5]

No, I wouldn't feel right if I had hardware hardwired to my brain. I take Ginkgo Biloba as a memory enhancer, that's enough for me. -kd5-

 

[vi edit]

And as WW said, the ability to regurgitate data is no where as important as the ability to manipulate data into something useful.

 

[jmcoreymv]

If you think about it, it would basically rule out the need for education because all the information would be accessible in your brain within a quick download.

 

[vi edit]

jmcoreymv,

look at my post - a kid could memorize an entire encyclopedia, but if he is just reciting what has been put there, does he truly &quot;know it&quot;, or is he just regurgitating it.

Much like in the computer world, data is usless information. Information is useful data.

Raw data by itself proves no purpose other than games like trivial pursuit and jeapordy. Taking that data and turning it into something that you can draw conclusions/predictions from IS useful.

 

[jmcoreymv]

I guess Im thinking Matrix style, where like he can download the moves of a martial arts and use them.

 

[flood]

I could have the entire anandtech forum database in my head!

I wouldnt do it.

But if i did, it would be the AMD flavor!

 

[yakko]

No I would not want it. I am one of those strange people who thinks that if it is not normally that way unless there is a medical need leave it alone.

 

[vi edit]

yakko - I really don't find that strange at all.

occums razor - the simplest answer is often the right one

 

[Namuna]

Bring it on! It don't even matter if it's the size of a BRICK!

As far as I'm concerned, there's 2 components to what makes a person 'smart'...20%-Capacity and 80%-Comprehension. I break it down like that because I've known a couple of people with Photgraphic memories and I wouldn't really describe them as being all that smart. Having the info is one thing, being able to USE it is another.

I love taking new challenges that involve finding the solutions from background info, but I'd say my 'capacity' is about average. So giving me that chip would be like having the net in my brain. I'll take some of that!

 

[Mday]

no.

 

[prodigy]

Sure, why not?

 

[jonnyGURU]

I think I broke my wookie.

 

[Moonbeam]

Gosh, Wombat can remember every telephone number she's had since 1951. I don't think they've had 4 digit phone numbers for a hundred years. Are you sure 1951 isn't an extension.

 

[MickySoft]

well is the chip flashable??? I need to flash my memory once in awhile. Too much of this alex nguyen crap in my head now. :| grrrrrrrrrrrrrlll....want to kill....the chip is malfunction.....
DAMN call the police!

 

[Imported]

If there was a chip just to let me get photographic memory, I'd be all over that.

 

[CinderElmo]

Certainly if it were harmless I would get whatever enhancements were available in an implant. However, the data would only be useful in certain situations (ie simple problems, or trivia). You could have all the info in your head for what the functions of buttons/levers/switches in a jumbo jet do, but I doubt that without training, skill and experience you would be able to fly it.

Imagine the fool trying to operate on someone and in the middle of the operation his memory chip fails!

 

[Frenchie]

I'd probably get it. Would be hella fun to overclock it!!!

 

[ratkil]

no, but if they could give me one that would allow me to see through walls. then we would be talking!!!! (00)

 

[Batti]

I'd do the Matrix &quot;instant learning&quot; thing in a heartbeat, though. So what if it hurts like hell!!

 

[ChrichtonsGirl]

I have no trouble at all most of the time with my mental arithmetic, but lately, it seems like every piece of information I put in my brain pushes some other piece out. I'm completely full, and would be interested in an upgrade with more memory. I used to be the useless trivia champ but lately I have to strain to remember my address. kduncan5, pass me some of that Ginko.