Brain-computer interfaces, disability, and the stigma of refusal: A factorial vignette study

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Disability Studies
• Human-Computer Interaction

Background:

• Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are emerging as assistive technologies.
• Concerns exist that promoting BCIs as restorative may exacerbate stigma and create unrealistic expectations for disabled individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate how refusing a BCI impacts stigmatizing attitudes (blame, anger, coercion) in the context of disability.
• To examine if BCI functioning levels or malfunctioning risks moderate the effects of refusal on stigma.

Main Methods:

• Three web-based survey experiments using vignettes were conducted.
• Experiment 1 (N=222) assessed attitudes after BCI refusal.
• Experiments 2 (N=620) and 3 (N=620) manipulated BCI functioning and malfunction risks.

Main Results:

• Refusing a BCI significantly increased blame and anger.
• BCI functioning levels influenced the effect of refusal.
• Higher risks of device malfunctioning partially reduced stigmatizing attitudes and moderated the impact of refusal.

Conclusions:

• Information about disabled individuals refusing technology can inadvertently increase stigma.
• Findings have implications for BCI regulation, media portrayal, and combating ableism.