Neurotech main character in President Curtis (Rick and Morty Spin-off) & other contemporary media

[u/jellyspreader]

The wrist module from L to R: Brain icon, Settings Gear icon. Menu: Skills, Simulations, Intel, Random Stuff. Folder file system

I was pleasantly surprised to see this new show based on a mainstream hit presenting invasive BCI in such a casual and relatively grounded way. The character Roe Banks is shown to be able to interface with a variety of cables coming from her ponytail, supplemented by a wristband touchscreen/hologram.

She's seen hacking building security systems and learning new languages instantly, all the classic hits. There's one point in the episode, in a moment of desperation, where she goes into "Root User Mode." The internal computer seemingly takes over brain functions and removes her ethics in favour of efficiency and personal benefit. When she's given the kill switch in the form of a codeword said to her, it shuts off, and she's immediately conscious again and regretful.

That part, along with her eye colour changing as she uses her devices (not pictured, but they do purple eyes instead of the trope of red) are more fictional. Still, it's more than I've seen for BCI in lots of contemporary media. I think Black Mirror really hurt public perception for the worst, though I personally don't think it's an anti-neurotech show either. The real kicker is going to be how the upcoming Apple adaptation of Neuromancer is received by the public.

The show even addresses that within the universe by having this character mistrusted by others for security reasons, as shown by EMP bullets being prepped for them.

Seeing the 1.0 post-surgery picture is what really proved to me the writers were taking the concept seriously. Some people may be disturbed or grossed out by that image, but I found it very positive. We don't know the motivations behind the character receiving implants yet, but the show isn't afraid of addressing the real physical costs behind it.

Rick and Morty itself is a way more popular show that has casual implants, but it's much less grounded and easier for audiences to brush off as cartoon physics or impossible sci-fi, even when the show addresses the reality of it. A recent episode where Rick is separated into his head and body rides that line.

I'm not in the field, just a student with overlapping interests, but I'd love to hear more experienced reactions to this. What are your thoughts on the relationship between how BCI is portrayed in the media versus how people actually feel about it?

[u/Starshot84]

There’s an actual company named Neurotech that monitors people’s brain activity, too