this post was submitted on 13 Dec 2023
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I wasn't thinking of science fiction at all.
But this isn't mind reading (which is impossible) it's a statistical model giving the most likely answer based on an EEG.
Whether mind reading is possible or not depends on how you define it. I suspect your definition is different from that of other people in this comment section. It covers how I define mind reading. So how do you define it for yourself?
I go with a literal definition. Being able to identify the thought of a random stranger without calibration or them focussing on one specific thought.
Don't get me wrong, this is great for people who are unable to communicate otherwise. But in the end it is still an interpretation and therefore not error-proof.
Yeah, so by your definition this is definitely not mind reading. I wouldn't expect it to be error-proof ever. Not even usual communication is. And this is just a beginning - their success rate seems to be 40 %.
Honestly, I'm a good reader (regular old text reader, not mind), but I'm not perfect. Imo the line for this should be drawn at "accurate enough to be practically useful"