Title:	Eyes on the road: brain computer interfaces and cognitive distraction in traff
Authors:	Bosch, Victoria Mecacci, Giulio
ORCID of the author:	https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7454-8325 https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9092-8923
Abstract:	Novel wearable neurotechnology is able to provide insight into its wearer's cognitive processes and offers ways to change or enhance their capacities. Moreover, it offers the promise of hands-free device control. These brain-computer interfaces are likely to become an everyday technology in the near future, due to their increasing accessibility and affordability. We, therefore, must anticipate their impact, not only on society and individuals broadly but also more specifically on sectors such as traffic and transport. In an economy where attention is increasingly becoming a scarce good, these innovations may present both opportunities and challenges for daily activities that require focus, such as driving and cycling. Here, we argue that their development carries a dual risk. Firstly, BCI-based devices may match or further increase the intensity of cognitive human-technology interaction over the current hands-free communication devices which, despite being widely accepted, are well-known for introducing a significant amount of cognitive load and distraction. Secondly, BCI-based devices will be typically harder than hands-free devices to both visually detect (e.g., how can law enforcement check when these extremely small and well-integrated devices are used?) and restrain in their use (e.g., how do we prevent users from using such neurotechnologies without breaching personal integrity and privacy?). Their use in traffic should be anticipated by researchers, engineers, and policymakers, in order to ensure the safety of all road users.
Citations:	Bosch V and Mecacci G (2023): Eyes on the road: brain computer interfaces and cognitive distraction in traffic. Front. Neuroergon. 4:1171910.
URL:	https://doi.org/10.48693/497 https://osnadocs.ub.uni-osnabrueck.de/handle/ds-2024021910729
Subject Keywords:	BCI (Brain Computer Interface); human-machine interaction; neurotechnology; traffic; societal impact of AI; ethics of AI; cognitive distraction
Issue Date:	26-May-2023
License name:	Attribution 4.0 International
License url:	http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Type of publication:	Einzelbeitrag in einer wissenschaftlichen Zeitschrift [Article]
Appears in Collections:	FB08 - Hochschulschriften Open-Access-Publikationsfonds

This item is licensed under a Creative Commons License