'We're doomed': Internet stunned as Elon Musk announces first human has received a Neuralink brain implant

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA: Elon Musk revealed on Tuesday, January 30, that his neurotechnology company Neuralink has achieved a breakthrough by successfully implanting an artificial intelligence-powered computer chip in the brain of the first human.

The news immediately set off alarm and curiosity across the Internet over the revolutionary device that aims to meld humans and machines.

Notably, Neuralink promises its brain-computer interface technology will eventually help paralyzed patients operate phones or computers simply by thinking of the commands, as reported by The New York Post.

Implant in human subjects is the first major step toward Neuralink's goal of developing a brain-computer interface

Musk reported that Neuralink surgically implanted the brain chip into a human test subject on Sunday, January 28. The identity of the patient remains unknown, but the tech mogul stated that the surgery went well and they are "recovering well."

The brain chip device apparently features over 1,000 electrodes attached to tiny threads that are surgically inserted directly into the brain tissue. As reported, the electrodes can monitor neuron activity and theoretically transmit signals back and forth between the biological brain matter and the AI programming of the chip.

Sunday's surgery is the first crucial step towards Neuralink's goal of developing a brain-computer interface or "BCI" for human use.

The company touts the technology as a way to "restore autonomy" to people suffering from neurological conditions like paralysis because it will allow them to operate specific electronic devices simply by thinking of the commands. 

Neuralink received FDA approval to begin safety trials in human subjects in the middle of 2023

Neuralink has spent years developing the brain chip technology and testing it on animals. Previously, the company faced backlash from animal rights groups critical of its medical trials involving pigs, sheep, and monkeys.

The transition to the first human test subject has been highly anticipated since Neuralink executives announced in mid-2023 that they received FDA approval to begin the safety trials.

An undisclosed number of test subjects will have the chip implanted over the estimated six-year timeline of the trial.

Internet reacts to news of Neuralink implanting brain chip in first human subject

Soon after Musk announced that the first human test subject had received a brain implant from Neuralink, netizens wasted no time in sharing their thoughts regarding the technology. 

One wrote, "oh we’re doomed," and another wondered, "Who actually agreed to this?? He can’t even get videos to play on his app."

A person quipped, "Bro gonna start getting pop up adds in his thoughts," while someone else remarked, "I don’t think this will be good for a society in the future."

A cautious user urged vigilance, stating, "Someone keep an eye on him."

"We need the play by play on how this goes," expressed one interested in knowing more about the technology. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.