Neurotechnology Hype, Biopolitics, and a Critique of the Injunction to Enjoy!

Article

Gildersleeve, Matthew, Valera, Luca and Crowden, Andrew. 2025. "Neurotechnology Hype, Biopolitics, and a Critique of the Injunction to Enjoy! " Journal of Posthuman Studies Philosophy Technology Media. 9 (1), pp. 76-97. https://doi.org/10.5325/jpoststud.9.1.0076
Article Title

Neurotechnology Hype, Biopolitics, and a Critique of the Injunction to Enjoy!

ERA Journal ID213408
Article CategoryArticle
AuthorsGildersleeve, Matthew, Valera, Luca and Crowden, Andrew
Journal TitleJournal of Posthuman Studies Philosophy Technology Media
Journal Citation9 (1), pp. 76-97
Number of Pages22
Year2025
PublisherPennsylvania State University Press
Place of PublicationUnited States
ISSN2471-4461
2472-4513
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)https://doi.org/10.5325/jpoststud.9.1.0076
Web Address (URL)https://scholarlypublishingcollective.org/psup/posthuman-studies/article-abstract/9/1/76/402797/Neurotechnology-Hype-Biopolitics-and-a-Critique-of?redirectedFrom=fulltext
Abstract

This article discusses important considerations in the development and use of neurotechnology, particularly referring to brain–computer interfaces and neurofeedback, which some authors have claimed can create a posthuman subjectivity. It provides a psychoanalytic critique to outline the power over the mind and body that comes with neurotechnology and the need for a critical attitude to ensure that this power is recognized and attenuated. Furthermore, it details how ideology is relevant to neurotechnology and how it functions through fantasy, modern capitalism, and the superego injunction to enjoy! Specifically, the authors show that neurotechnology could feed into an ideology of biopolitics that may use human neurodata and neuromodulation as a more intimate, powerful way of managing individuals. This article also emphasizes the importance of symptomatic reading, which identifies lapses or omissions in neurotechnology narratives to unmask hidden meanings to better address the ethical dimensions of neurotechnology. This is particularly significant when considering research that demonstrates the phenomenon of neurohype, where laypeople, academics, clinicians, and others can get carried away with the promises of neuroscience.

KeywordsEthics; Ideology; Biopolitics; Neurotechnology
Contains Sensitive ContentDoes not contain sensitive content
ANZSRC Field of Research 2020500103. Ethical use of new technology
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Byline AffiliationsUniversity of Queensland
University of Valladolid, Spain
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