Exploring disparities in self-reported knowledge about neurotechnology

Abstract With advances in neurotechnology and its use for medical treatment and beyond, it is important to understand the public’s awareness of such technologies and potential disparities in self-reported knowledge, because knowledge is known to influence the acceptance and use of new technologies....

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Main Authors: Sebastian Sattler, Guido Mehlkop, Alexander Neuhaus, Anna Wexler, Peter B. Reiner
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Nature Portfolio 2025-05-01
Series:Scientific Reports
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-00460-1
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author Sebastian Sattler
Guido Mehlkop
Alexander Neuhaus
Anna Wexler
Peter B. Reiner
author_facet Sebastian Sattler
Guido Mehlkop
Alexander Neuhaus
Anna Wexler
Peter B. Reiner
author_sort Sebastian Sattler
collection DOAJ
description Abstract With advances in neurotechnology and its use for medical treatment and beyond, it is important to understand the public’s awareness of such technologies and potential disparities in self-reported knowledge, because knowledge is known to influence the acceptance and use of new technologies. This study utilizes a large sample (N = 10,339) to depict the existence and extent of self-reported knowledge of these neurotechnologies and to examine knowledge disparities between respondents. Results show that most respondents self-reported at least some knowledge of ultrasound and electroencephalography (EEG), but limited knowledge of BCIs. Prior use, being a healthcare professional, and health literacy increased the odds of self-reporting some knowledge. Also gender and age disparities exist. These findings may help identify uninformed groups in society and enhance information campaigns.
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spelling doaj-art-f4b3f2b685524ca985bf52deacecb0c92025-08-20T01:59:56ZengNature PortfolioScientific Reports2045-23222025-05-0115111210.1038/s41598-025-00460-1Exploring disparities in self-reported knowledge about neurotechnologySebastian Sattler0Guido Mehlkop1Alexander Neuhaus2Anna Wexler3Peter B. Reiner4Faculty of Sociology, Bielefeld UniversityFaculty of Economics, Law and Social Sciences, University of ErfurtFaculty of Sociology, Bielefeld UniversityDepartment of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, University of PennsylvaniaDepartment of Psychiatry, University of British ColumbiaAbstract With advances in neurotechnology and its use for medical treatment and beyond, it is important to understand the public’s awareness of such technologies and potential disparities in self-reported knowledge, because knowledge is known to influence the acceptance and use of new technologies. This study utilizes a large sample (N = 10,339) to depict the existence and extent of self-reported knowledge of these neurotechnologies and to examine knowledge disparities between respondents. Results show that most respondents self-reported at least some knowledge of ultrasound and electroencephalography (EEG), but limited knowledge of BCIs. Prior use, being a healthcare professional, and health literacy increased the odds of self-reporting some knowledge. Also gender and age disparities exist. These findings may help identify uninformed groups in society and enhance information campaigns.https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-00460-1
spellingShingle Sebastian Sattler
Guido Mehlkop
Alexander Neuhaus
Anna Wexler
Peter B. Reiner
Exploring disparities in self-reported knowledge about neurotechnology
Scientific Reports
title Exploring disparities in self-reported knowledge about neurotechnology
title_full Exploring disparities in self-reported knowledge about neurotechnology
title_fullStr Exploring disparities in self-reported knowledge about neurotechnology
title_full_unstemmed Exploring disparities in self-reported knowledge about neurotechnology
title_short Exploring disparities in self-reported knowledge about neurotechnology
title_sort exploring disparities in self reported knowledge about neurotechnology
url https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-00460-1
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AT guidomehlkop exploringdisparitiesinselfreportedknowledgeaboutneurotechnology
AT alexanderneuhaus exploringdisparitiesinselfreportedknowledgeaboutneurotechnology
AT annawexler exploringdisparitiesinselfreportedknowledgeaboutneurotechnology
AT peterbreiner exploringdisparitiesinselfreportedknowledgeaboutneurotechnology