A survey on brain drugs that had no or little expectations came up with some surprising results. They polled about 1400 people in 60 countries, apparently all with a relatively high education.
“Of the 1,427 respondents from around the world (mostly from the US) a fifth had used the drugs without a prescription. Of those 62% had used Ritalin, 44% had used Provigil and 15% beta blockers such as propranolol. But there was also concern over the use of the drugs reflected by 86% of respondents, saying that regulations should prevent their use by healthy children under 16. When asked what they would do if others in their child’s class were using the drug to get better grades, 34% of respondents said they would feel under pressure to give it to their children.”
And especially the last sentence shows something remarkable. We are willing to jeopardize the health of our children if we can help them compete.
To me, the surprising thing is that 66% of respondents would NOT give their children Ritalin if they knew their kids’ classmates were being given it. I would use every possible cognitive enhancer if given a chance, from Ritalin to brain implants.
very bold statement. why?
did you see the news on the south african athlete oscar pistorius? apparently he is allowed to compete in the ‘normal’ olympic games. i predict that if he wins, especially if winning regularly in international tournaments, his competitors will switch from their natural legs to something comparable to his. when is nike going to create these legs?
Is it really that bold? Provided one is well informed about the potential risks and benefits of cognitive enhancers, and the risk-benefit ratio is low, then it strikes me as crazy not to use them. I don’t know anyone who is short-sighted who chooses NOT to wear glasses or contact lenses. Why should mental enhancers be any different?
Yes, I saw the news about Pistorius, and I agree with your prediction. I think the same will happen with cognitive enhancers. First, kids who use them may be regarded as cheating. Then, attitudes will change so they are seen as perfectly acceptable. And eventually, everyone will use them.
We’ve all been getting smarter for the past 100 years (the Flynn effect). Drugs are one of several technologies we can use to make sure those cognitive gains continue.