Author’s Note: Article originally published in BrainWorld Magazine.

Technology has always feared and fascinated people. Revered for its role in shaping society and improving lives – feared for the same reasons.

As neuroscience evolves, and technology alongside it, both invasive and noninvasive techniques will be used to view the brain, treat illness, and even enhance cognition. In its October 2016 report titled “The Digital Future of Brain Health” the World Economic Forum said that with technical advances, “health care is increasingly shifting from care of the sick to the prevention of sickness, and from volume-based care to value-based services. “Consumerization” of health care is on the rise, as patients take increasingly active roles in their care experience.”