Date of publication
Jun 03, 2026
Category:
Article
A comparative analysis of attitudes toward neuroscience and the application of information on the brain between the public and neuroscientists in Japan
by
Ryuma Shineha
,
Shu Ishida
,
HIDEAKI SHIROYAMA
,
Prof. Shinji Nishimoto
,
Prof. Takufumi Yanagisawa
,
Prof. Yuji Ikegaya
Recent technological advancements have expanded our capacity to observe, decode, and modulate human brain activity. As these brain information (BI) technologies evolve, it becomes increasingly important to address relevant ethical, legal, and social issues and to communicate them effectively to the public. However, meaningful dialogue has been hindered by a limited understanding of how attitudes toward BI technologies differ between experts and the public. To address this gap, we examined the perspectives of both groups through surveys involving neuroscientists (N = 108) and non-expert citizens (N = 2000). Our findings indicate that, while both parties are concerned about data governance, non-expert citizens also expressed interest in threats to psychological continuity, whereas neuroscientists prioritize scientific content and the risks of stigmatization. These differences underscore the importance of framing discourse on BI applications to encompass both concerns raised by two prominent stakeholders, fostering constructive exchanges grounded in mutual understanding.