Human-machine integration: unpacking use context and invasiveness in implant technologies

Abstract

The evolution of implant technologies has extended their use beyond therapeutic health care into preventive care and non-medical applications. These technologies, particularly those interfacing with the brain or nervous system, are functional as communicative agents that relay different types of information to external systems or directly to the user. Understanding how varying use contexts and levels of invasiveness in implant technologies affect user perspectives, is crucial for guiding the ethical development and deployment of implants. This study employed a 3x2 repeated measures experimental vignette design, in which the use context (therapeutic healthcare, preventive healthcare, non-medical) and invasiveness (with or without connection to the brain or nervous system) are manipulated across six vignettes. The study sampled 296 Flemish participants aged 18–24, focusing on gender and experience as potential moderating factors. A two-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess the effects of context, invasiveness, and their interaction on adoption intentions. The findings revealed that participants are more likely to adopt implant technologies in therapeutic contexts compared to preventive or non-medical ones. Non-invasive implants also elicit higher adoption intentions than invasive ones, reflecting concerns about varying degrees of bodily intrusion. While no significant interaction was found between use context and invasiveness, gender moderated the results: male respondents showed higher adoption intentions for non-medical implants. These findings underscore the importance of addressing ethical and psychological concerns, especially for invasive and non-medical implants. We also highlight the need for gender-sensitive policies and communication strategies in the development and deployment of implant technologies.