Thursday, Apr 25, 2024 | Last Update : 04:01 PM IST
Americans worry about ‘super-human’ Technology
Futuristic technologies that promise to improve people’s strength and smarts by editing genes, implanting brain chips or super-charging blood have raised more concern than enthusiasm among Americans,
Futuristic technologies that promise to improve people’s strength and smarts by editing genes, implanting brain chips or super-charging blood have raised more concern than enthusiasm among Americans, a poll showed on Tuesday.
The survey by the Pew Research Centre included more than 4,700 US adults, and is considered a nationally representative sample.
When asked about gene-editing, which could reduce the risk of serious disease in babies at risk, a majority of Americans — 68 per cent — said they would be “very” or “somewhat” worried.
The prospect of brain implants that could increase intelligence and focus also raised concern for 69 per cent of people, as did the potential of synthetic blood that could improve speed, strength and stamina (63 per cent).
No more than half of respondents said they would be “enthusiastic” about each of these innovations.
“Developments in biomedical technologies are accelerating rapidly, raising new societal debates about how we will use these technologies and what uses are appropriate,” said lead author Cary Funk, an associate director of research at Pew Research Centre.
“This study suggests Americans are largely cautious about using emerging technologies in ways that push human capacities beyond what’s been possible before.”
Only about one-third of respondents said they would want enhancements of their brains and their blood.
Americans were divided on the question of whether they would ever want to take advantage of gene-editing to prevent disease in babies, with 48 per cent saying yes and 50 per cent saying no.
Many people said they feared that such enhancements would increase the divide between the haves and the have-nots.
The poll also found that Americans that described themselves as religious were less likely to embrace these potential types of enhancement.
“Six-in-ten or more of those high in religious commitment consider these potential enhancements to be meddling with nature, crossing a line that should not be crossed,” said the report.
