Wetware hacker
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A wetware hacker is an individual who utilizes various electronic technologies to influence wetware (neural structures). Sensory and extra-sensory (like transcranial magnetic stimulation) inputs are used to augment perception and alter consciousness. This concept is currently in its infancy, and is mainly seen in developed forms in science fiction media.
It is the desire of a wetware hacker to take advantage of the physical interface with the brain, visual and auditory perception, along with direct electromagnetic manipulation, to alter the mind.
There are three main types of wetware hacking: Perception Augmentation and Control Supplementation; Recreational Neural Electromagnetic Stimulation; and Rehabilitation and Enhancement. There is overlap in the application of various devices and techniques between these categories; the same device or technique could be used to facilitate more than one type of significance depending on its employment process.
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[edit] Perception Augmentation and Control Supplementation
This category deals primarily with human-machine interface (HMI), but often in ways not discussed in mainstream HMI research. Although the concept of interface implants would classify as a wetware hack, the application of wetware hacker devices and techniques in noninvasive yet innovative ways leaves room for exploration. Perception Augmentation centers on utilizing wetware exploitables to enhance sensory experience of artificially created stimulus. For example, utilizing brainwave synchronization to improve the perceived experience of a virtual reality simulation. A specific example of Control Supplementation would be utilizing a biofeedback technique to add additional input to a computer interface.
[edit] Recreational Neural Electromagnetic Stimulation
This category concerns the use of wetware hacker devices and techniques for recreation and entertainment. In other words, "Digital Drugs".
[edit] Rehabilitation and Enhancement
Rehab and mental enhancement has been around in some form since the invention of electricity. In the 1990's, it was thought that the first wave of electrical cognitive devices from the 60's and 70's would finally reach wide spread use. "Mind Gyms" of one form of another, cropped up along the West Coast of the United States. AltaStims, star chambers, and float tanks were dusted off and offered to the public, only to quickly recede back into obscurity. Many devices and techniques of the wetware hacker found their start, at least conceptually, in this category.
[edit] Classifications
[edit] CLASS III
The most basic level includes hacks of mild to moderate peak intensity, short duration of effect, and no pathways of application beyond normal sensory input.
Devices:Galvanic skin response, Light Machine, Brainwave Generator.
Techniques:Basic forms of brainwave synchronization, biofeedback and binaural beats.
[edit] CLASS II
This oderate level includes significant peak intensity and/or moderate duration of effect without serious invasiveness of application. Application can include mild forms beyond normal sensory input.
Devices:EEG, Cranial Electrotherapy Stimulation (CES), Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS).
Techniques:Progressive forms of biofeedback and brainwave entrainment.
[edit] CLASS I
The highest level is characterized by extreme intensity and invasiveness of application. Effects tend to be long lasting. Application requires pathways beyond normal sensory input.
Devices: rTMS
Techniques: Wireheading, extreme examples of neurological biofeedback
[edit] Wireheading
"Wireheading" is the name given to the practice of using electrical current to directly stimulate the pleasure centers of the brain, with the intent of creating a narcotic-like high.
It has figured prominently in such works of science fiction as the novella "Death by Ecstasy" and the novels The Ringworld Engineers by Larry Niven, and Mindkiller by Spider Robinson.
[edit] See also
- Biomechatronics
- Brain-computer interface
- Central nervous system
- Cybernetics
- Cyborg
- Neural engineering
- Neuroprosthetics
- Transhumanism
[edit] External links
- Cyberware Technology by Taryn East
- Wetware Technology
- Infornography: The Tao of Memetic Engineering (The Acceleration Method, et al.)
- Wireheading.com (Wirehead advocates)
