Our Futures in Mind Uploading: Public Perceptions and Narratives

虽然神经技术的进步，特别是与人工智能（AI）合作时，得到了广泛的研究，但对公众反应的理解有限。我与公众的研究计划有助于我们理解开发这些技术的复杂性，并探索公众对一种特定的先进神经技术的认识，理解和反应-上传人类思想的可能性。我的研究方法包括一项纵向定性研究--利用记忆作为思维和思维上传的推动力--以及一种新颖的、研究不足的方法--一个网站，讲述了两个虚构人物上传思维的故事。该网站使参与者能够充分参与并考虑关键概念，并被证明是鼓励叙事参与和运输的有效方法。参与者展示了人类精神时间旅行的能力，讲故事网站允许参与者体验和探索心灵上传的关键主题，包括道德考虑和主观体验。虽然意识上传在过去几年中保持相对稳定，但对这个概念的支持率显着增加，这反映在越来越多的人在他们的肉体死亡时会上传。这一研究有助于我们理解公众对心灵上传的看法，并通过使用数字叙事来研究公众意见，提供了一种新的方法。

While advances in neurotechnology, especially when partnered with Artificial Intelligence (AI), are widely researched, understanding of public response is limited. My programme of research with the public contributes to our understanding of the complexities of developing these technologies and explores public awareness, understanding and reaction to one particular advanced neurotechnology - the possibility of uploading human minds. My methods included a longitudinal qualitative study - which used memory as an enabler for mind and mind uploading - as well as a novel and under-researched methodology - a website which tells the stories of two fictional characters who have uploaded their minds. The website enabled participants to fully engage with and consider the key concepts and was shown to be a valid method of encouraging narrative engagement and transportation.Participants demonstrated the ability of humans to mentally time travel and the storytelling website allowed participants to experience and explore key themes of mind uploading including ethical considerations and subjective experience. While awareness of mind uploading has remained relatively static over the last few years, favourability towards the concept has significantly increased and this was reflected in an increasing number of people who would upload if their physical body was dying. This body of research contributes to our understanding of public perceptions of mind uploading and contributes a novel method by using digital narratives to research public opinions.