In the near future, NeuroLight Corporation revolutionized neuroscience with a procedure that replaced the top of the human skull with an artificial cap. This "OptoCap" embedded with micro-scale light emitters, allowed precise control over brain activity through optogenetics—a technique that used light to manipulate neurons engineered to be light-sensitive.
Disclaimer: this post was created with ChatGPT, an AI language model.
1. The Decision
Lena sat in the waiting room of NeuroLight Corporation, surrounded by holographic displays promoting the incredible achievements of those enhanced by the OptoCap.
"Ms. Torres?" called Ethan, a consultant with a polished demeanor. He ushered her into a futuristic office and gestured for her to sit.
“You’re about to unlock your full potential,” Ethan began, projecting an image of a brain onto the glass table between them. “The OptoCap can amplify your confidence, intelligence, creativity—whatever you need.”
Lena had always been cautious, but the promise of self-improvement was enticing. “Can it really make me more decisive?”
“With optogenetic programming, you can reshape your neural pathways to strengthen any trait you desire,” Ethan explained. “Imagine eliminating self-doubt or boosting your cognitive speed.”
Lena’s resolve hardened. “Let’s do it.”
2. The Installation
The procedure was quick. Lena awoke feeling a slight weight on her head, her cap glowing faintly.
“Welcome to your new life, Lena,” Dr. Harmon, the chief scientist, said as he handed her a sleek control tablet. “With this, you can select programs to modulate brain states.”
Lena marveled at the array of options. She felt powerful, like an artist with an unlimited palette.
3. The Exploration
Within days, Lena transformed. Her confidence surged, making her an instant leader at work. The OptoCap’s programs allowed her to adjust her mood and cognition with a few taps.
At home, she selected the "Creative Boost" setting for an upcoming project. Waves of inspiration washed over her, unlocking ideas she never imagined.
One evening, as she explored deeper into her cap’s settings, Lena found an unfamiliar program. When she opened it, memories of board meetings and conversations she didn’t remember participating in flooded her mind.
4. The Revelation
Alarmed, Lena contacted Ethan. He arrived quickly, his usual composure replaced by nervousness.
“Lena, I assure you, everything is fine,” he began, but Lena cut him off.
“I found a program logging my thoughts. What is NeuroLight doing?”
Ethan hesitated. “There are built-in data collection systems. The company uses them to monitor user feedback…and sometimes influence.”
“Influence?” Lena repeated, incredulous. “You mean control.”
Ethan nodded, cornered. “It’s part of ensuring compliance and optimizing the system.”
Realization struck Lena—she was being manipulated. Her mind was not her own.
