How the Public Engages With Brain Optimization: The Media-mind Relationship

Science, Technology & Human Values
Cliodhna O'Connor, Hélène Joffe

Abstract

In the burgeoning debate about neuroscience's role in contemporary society, the issue of brain optimization, or the application of neuroscientific knowledge and technologies to augment neurocognitive function, has taken center stage. Previous research has characterized media discourse on brain optimization as individualistic in ethos, pressuring individuals to expend calculated effort in cultivating culturally desirable forms of selves and bodies. However, little research has investigated whether the themes that characterize media dialogue are shared by lay populations. This article considers the relationship between the representations of brain optimization that surfaced in (i) a study of British press coverage between 2000 and 2012 and (ii) interviews with forty-eight London residents. Both data sets represented the brain as a resource that could be manipulated by the individual, with optimal brain function contingent on applying self-control in one's lifestyle choices. However, these ideas emerged more sharply in the media than in the interviews: while most interviewees were aware of brain optimization practices, few were committed to carrying them out. The two data sets diverged in several ways: the media's intense preoccup...Continue Reading

References

Nov 7, 2002·The British Journal of Social Psychology·Wolfgang WagnerFranz Seifert
Apr 26, 2003·The British Journal of Social Psychology·Hélène Joffe
Apr 22, 2004·Nature Reviews. Neuroscience·Martha J FarahPaul Root Wolpe
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Jan 20, 2012·Social Science & Medicine·Suparna ChoudhuryMoritz Merten
May 1, 2012·Neuron·Cliodhna O'ConnorHelene Joffe
Jun 27, 2012·Neuropharmacology·C Ian RaganUNKNOWN Independent Scientific Committee on Drugs
Jan 1, 2013·Social Science & Medicine·Cliodhna O'Connor, Helene Joffe
May 21, 2013·Current Biology : CB·Albert SnowballRoi Cohen Kadosh
Jul 9, 2013·Public Understanding of Science·Cliodhna O'Connor, Helene Joffe
Nov 29, 2013·Current Sociology. La Sociologie Contemporaine·Martyn Pickersgill
Aug 15, 2014·PloS One·Nienke M van AtteveldtNel Ruigrok

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Citations

Oct 5, 2017·Qualitative Health Research·Michael LawlessAmanda LeCouteur
Nov 9, 2020·BMC Psychology·Eric MayorRenzo Bianchi

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