Can a simple chip embedded into a human brain even qualify as a cyborg? When I think of cyborgs, the first name that comes to mind is Neil Harbisson; however, I personally don't consider him a cyborg. Just as I don't consider those with biochips and cybernetic implants to be cyborgs,

In my opinion, a cyborg is half machine and half man; think Star-Trek, or the best of both worlds. Neil Harbisson has a piece of customized technology (an antenna) inserted into his skull. I suppose my definition doesn't matter, as the world accepts him as he is. This is the same world that seemingly hands out trophies just for showing up.

Perhaps semantics isn't even the aspect I should be focusing on. Musk believes that his brain chip will allow people with spinal cord injuries to take back control of their lives and limbs using his Neuralink technology. It is a noble goal, but Musk is a billionaire, and he does a lot of shady deals with government types.

Neuralink, an implantable brain-computer interface (BCI for short), isn't a computer chip in the classic sense; instead, it's been described as a series of probes composed mostly of polyimide, a biocompatible material, along with a thin gold or platinum conductor. It has wires that have electrodes attached that allow it to detect and locate electrical signals in the brain. These probes are inserted into a human brain by a specialized surgical robot. As with everything Musk does, it's a complicated but brilliant process.

If you aren't familiar with polyimide, check the link below for an introduction to it:

https://material-properties.org/polyimide/

Almost everything in this life that began as noble eventually ended up being evil, sinister even. Today, these chips and probes could cure neurological disorders and paralysis, while tomorrow they could be used to give the government full control over every action you perform.

An even scarier thought: say at this moment you are a proud Democrat, Republican, or Independent, but two seconds from now you are the opposite because someone, somewhere, flipped a switch and you are whatever they want you to be. If it were me, I would be carefully considering the potential pitfalls and ramifications of such technology, but I'm far too cautious. This technology is rarely used for what they claim it will be, and all I'm saying is that in the wrong hands, it's dangerous.

It doesn't surprise me that so many people allegedly like the idea of being brain-jacked. There will always be those who need to be guided and led in life, and that's always the biggest threat: willful ignorance. In an America where nobody is who they seem to be and everything designed to help humans ends up harming, instead, where is the common sense?

So what exactly is the risk of someone being controlled against their will through Neuralink technology? Who knows? Musk keeps specific details highly guarded, but do research on the technology for yourself; it's not without its potential for epic disaster.