The Download: the first brain implant power user and South Korea’s AI obsession

Casey Harrell, a man diagnosed with ALS, has become the first "power user" of a brain-computer interface (BCI) designed to restore speech. Harrell, who has been using the implanted electrodes for nearly three years, first utilized the device to communicate in 2023 and has since accumulated thousands of hours of usage. He now operates the BCI with significant independence, enabling him to surf the web and perform his job duties. The development team has introduced new functionalities to the device, and Harrell expressed his continued ambition, stating, "Living with a disease like ALS, you are supposed to have diminished dreams. I do not." This progress highlights the potential of BCIs for individuals with severe paralysis.

In contrast to growing public apprehension in the United States regarding artificial intelligence, South Korea exhibits a pronounced optimism towards AI technologies. A survey by the Pew Research Center indicated that only 16% of South Koreans expressed more concern than excitement about AI, positioning them as the least worried among 25 surveyed nations. This sentiment contrasts sharply with the 50% of Americans who reported greater worry than excitement. South Koreans largely view technological advancement as crucial for national modernization and global standing, with their current enthusiasm for AI representing a continuation of this long-held belief. This drive to remain at the forefront of technological innovation is a significant factor in their national outlook.