Thursday, November 11, 2004
I knew I should have been a neurologist!
In Cosmetic Neurology: Makeovers for Brains Laura Beil writes:
"cosmetic neurology could one day mean not just sharpening intelligence, but also elevating other dictates of the brain - reflexes, attention, mood and memory."
Meanwhile... on PBS, A new Frontline special titled The Persuaders examines trends in advertising and marketing, in particular the oversaturation of all possible space with ads and the effect that is having on society.
One issue the program brings up is neuromarketing or the study of the brain's responses to ads, brands, and the rest of the messages littering the cultural landscape.
Gary Ruskin of Commercial Alert acknowledgles that scientists still have a long way to go but insists that neuromarketing could "eventually lead to complete corporate manipulation of consumers -- or citizens, with governments using brain scans to create more effective propaganda."
One concern is the impact of marketing-related diseases on children. Ruskin charges there is already an epdemic and those calamaties include: obesity, type 2 diabetes, alcoholism, eating disorders and eventual death from smoking-related illnesses.
