Thought Talking could become our favorite communication mode by 2030

By Dick Pelletier

     Humans use many different channels of communication. Yet, despite thousands of years of development, we regard verbal channels – what we say and write – as most important. But scientists are realizing that non-verbal communication is just as important as words. It provides as much, if not more information about what people think and feel.

     One of the unique characteristics that distinguish us from animals is the ability to try and guess what others are thinking and feeling. According to psychologists, this sort of intuitive mind-reading lays the foundation for nearly all of our meaningful relationships.

     Despite its importance though, researchers have yet to unravel exactly how this intuition works. Enter University of Reading's Dr. Kevin Warwick, whose pioneering research into neural implants has enabled him to control machines and communicate with others just by using his thoughts.

     In 1998, Warwick inserted a silicon transponder into his left arm enabling him to open doors and switch on lights. Four years later, he installed another chip into his arm that connected his nervous system to a computer allowing him to control an electric wheelchair and robotic hand simply by thinking about them.

     He then implanted a chip in his wife Irena's arm, linking their brains together via the Internet. "When she moved her hand three times", he said, "I felt three pulses, and my brain recognized that my wife was communicating with me." This was the world’s first electronic brain-to-brain communication.

     Warwick says that transmitting signals brain to brain in these parallel ways opens the possibility for thought talking. This very forward technology will not only allow us to exchange speech, but also share pictures and graphics; even feelings and emotions; directly and silently from mind to mind. Adding these additional elements to conversations will result in better understanding between people, which in turn, experts say, could reduce conflicts and violence.

     However, much development must take place before this wonder technology can become reality. University of Virginia scientist Stuart Wolf predicts that by the 2020s, implants will be replaced by a computerized headband enabling us to thought talk with others wearing the band. Later, by modifying our neurons, we could eliminate the headband entirely.

     Thought talking will be easy to initiate. Just think of whom you wish to communicate with – from anywhere in the world – and with their approval, you’re connected. Once the conversation begins, you could gaze through each other’'s eyes, and even share emotions and feelings.

     This very forward technology will also increase personal security. If you fall ill, just think your doctor’s name and he or she would immediately respond and understand your distress; even feel your pain. Diagnosis is made and paramedics are on the way. And with advanced nanotechnology expected by the late 2020s, doctors could direct futuristic nanobots to make repairs on the spot.

     Will this "magical future" happen? Dr. Warwick believes that it will. In a recent ITWales interview, he predicted the following: "We’re looking at the first mainstream thought communication experiments within a decade, and in 20 years, thought talking could become a commercial reality. People will one day routinely communicate with each other by using just their thoughts."

This article appeared in various print publications and on-line blogs. Comments always welcome.