For the first time, a paralyzed man sent a ”direct thought” tweet to say ‘Hello World’. The company behind the technology used a microchip to make it a reality. Here’s all about it.
All about the first direct thought tweet
Philip O’Keefe, a patient with motor neuron disease became the first person to tweet a message using direct thought. The feat was successful, thanks to microchip implants that can pick up brain signals. The message is described as the “first direct-thought tweet”. On December 23, Synchron announced a Twitter takeover by Philip O’Keefe. Synchron is a brain-computer interference company that created the microchip.
As of now, O’Keefe is one of the first patients to get Synchron’s Stentrode brain-computer interference implanted. In simple words, brain-computer interference is a microchip that helps in analyzing brain signals and executing commands. “Mr. O’Keefe is the first person to successfully message the world on social media directly through thought,” stated Synchron.
More about the patient
Mr. O’Keefe received a microchip in April 2020, following progressive paralysis due to motor neuron disease. The diseases left him incapable to work or do everyday tasks. On December 23, he took over Thomas Oxley, the Synchron CEO’s Twitter account hoping to share his experience on claiming back his independence. He also hopes to inspire others in the future. “My hope is that I’m paving the way for people to tweet through thoughts,” he expressed.
“When I first heard about this technology, I knew how much independence it could give back to me. The system is astonishing, it’s like learning to ride a bike – it takes practice, but once you’re rolling, it becomes natural,” explained Mr. O’Keefe. “Now, I just think about where on the computer I want to click, and I can email, bank, shop, and now message the world via Twitter,” he added with excitement.