tDCS Brain Boosting

[Dae314]

So, this information is actually kinda old, but for those of you who don't know, it's been shown that running current from a 9V battery through your scalp at specific locations will actually boost learning rate and performance. However, use of this technology has been isolated to military, lab testing, and other publicly inaccessible locations (not worth talking about basically). Now though, GoFlow is planning to make a tDCS kit that you can buy for $99. The implications of this technology is questioned briefly at the bottom of the article.

What do you guys think? Is it ethical or unethical to allow this technology to be used in schools or competitive events? Do you think this technology could have long-term consequences for the user if it's overused or improperly used (improper use is quite possible if you're giving the thing to consumers)?

[lemmingllama]

I think that this is a terrible thing to hand out unless it can be made foolproof. There will be way too many lawsuits about people not getting the results expected or eletrocuting themselves...

Just one quick question though. Have they ever tested these to see if inflicts long term damage if used a lot?

[Dae314]

I think that this is a terrible thing to hand out unless it can be made foolproof. There will be way too many lawsuits about people not getting the results expected or eletrocuting themselves...

Just one quick question though. Have they ever tested these to see if inflicts long term damage if used a lot?

As the article states, it's been demonstrated that there are no short term side effects, but researchers don't know yet about long term side effects mostly because they haven't had time to observe any. I would bet that there would be side effects of over use though, but who are they going to get to test what the limits of that are?