EEGhen

EEGhen is a fictional concept used in speculative neuroscience and science fiction to describe a brain–computer interface that extends electroencephalography (EEG) into shared, interactive neural environments. In this model, EEG signals from a user are decoded in real time to drive external devices, digital applications, and collaborative interfaces, with feedback loops that allow users to perceive the results of their brain activity.

Its name combines EEG with a metaphorical “hive” or shared network, and the term circulated in online discussions and short fiction from the late 2010s onward, serving as a thought experiment rather than a deployable technology.

Conceptually, EEGhen relies on non-invasive EEG sensors, signal processing, and machine learning to infer intended actions or mental states, such as selecting options, manipulating a interface, or modulating a parameter. A bidirectional feedback channel provides sensory information back to the user and can synchronize multiple users to form a collaborative “neural workspace.”

Proposed applications include assistive technology for people with motor impairments, immersive gaming, education, and remote collaboration. In fiction, EEGhen often explores themes of shared cognition, privacy, and the social implications of brain-to-brain interfaces, raising questions about consent and collective decision-making.

Limitations and criticisms reflect real-world EEG constraints, including low spatial resolution, susceptibility to artifacts, and relatively slow information transfer rates. Ethical concerns focus on privacy, data ownership, and the potential for dual-use or coercive applications, underscoring the gap between speculative promises and practical, responsible implementation.