Optogenetics and Controlling the Human Mind

From the dawn of history to modern times humans have been using knowledge of neural structures to alter behavior (Faria, 2013). In modern times brain stimulation experiments have been conducted on animals and even humans to control the mind (Marzullo, 2017; Bishop et al., 1963). 

Behavioral psychologist B.F. Skinner proposed that all behavior can be controlled using rewards and punishments (Schultz & Schultz, 2019). 

A new technology in neural engineering known as optogenetics uses CRISPR Cas-9 to genetically modify human neurons to express photosensitive opsins and thus fire when stimulated by certain light wavelengths (Boyden, 2011). 

Optogenetics offers greater spatial and temporal control of brain activity than current technologies like transcranial magnetic stimulation or psychopharmacological drugs (Williams and Entcheva, 2015; Deisseroth et al., 2006; Shao et al., 2018). 

The ethics of potential side effects, invasiveness, and abuse should be taken into consideration before human trials begin in the near future (Mathews, 2011; Gilbert, Harris, & Kidd, 2021).

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