DIY brain stimulation: On the difficulty of measuring effectiveness and its ethical implications

Abstract

Abstract Recent developments in cognitive neuroscience have triggered the do-it-yourself (DIY) brain stimulation movement. While studies on DIY brain stimulation have mainly centered on effects and side effects, this chapter focuses on the problem of measuring effectiveness in DIY brain stimulation and its ethical and practical implications. The difficulties of assessing the effectiveness of using brain stimulation are manifold, and determining the effects on an individual home user and the causes of these effects is challenging. Metacognitive monitoring contributes to the perceived effects and subjective judgment. Additionally, monitoring can differ between individuals and is sensitive to environmental factors. Such factors increase the complexity of assessing effectiveness, which gives rise to some potential concerns, particularly with regard to truthfulness and authenticity. Examining these normative issues, I suggest that education to inform users and improve neuroscience literacy is as crucial as developing regulation for home-based brain stimulation.