Watch I Am Human

I Am Human is a thought-provoking documentary that explores the possibilities and limitations of brain computer interfaces (BCIs) which have the potential to change the lives of humans living with paralysis, ALS, and other disabilities. The documentary follows the personal stories of three individuals who are at various stages of using BCIs and the scientists and researchers who are working on developing and improving this technology.

The first individual is Bill Kochevar, a quadriplegic man who was implanted with a BCI that allowed him to control his arm and hand movements using his thoughts. The second individual is Anne Shabason, a woman with locked-in syndrome, who is in the early stages of using a BCI to communicate using her thoughts. The third individual is Stephen Shrubshall, a man with ALS who is exploring the possibility of using BCIs to communicate and control his environment as his physical abilities decline.

The documentary includes interviews with the scientists and researchers who are developing and testing BCIs, as well as with ethicists who are grappling with the complicated ethical questions that arise as this technology advances. The film also includes a brief history of BCIs and how they have evolved over time, including the breakthroughs and setbacks that have shaped the field.

One of the key themes of the documentary is the potential for BCIs to overcome the limitations of the human body and allow individuals with disabilities to resume activities that were previously impossible, such as eating, drinking, and controlling their environment. The film also explores the potential downsides of this technology, such as the risk of hacking and the potential for loss of privacy.

Throughout the documentary, the personal stories of the individuals who are using BCIs are intertwined with the scientific and ethical questions that are raised by this technology. Bill Kochevar's story is particularly inspiring, as he is able to perform tasks using his BCI that he never thought possible, such as drinking from a straw and feeding himself. However, his story also highlights the challenges that still need to be overcome before this technology can be widely adopted by individuals with disabilities.

Anne Shabason's story is more uncertain, as she is still in the early stages of using a BCI to communicate. However, her story raises important questions about what it means to be conscious and how we can communicate with individuals who are unable to speak or move.

Stephen Shrubshall's story is also uncertain, as he is still exploring the possibility of using BCIs to communicate and control his environment. However, his story highlights the importance of developing BCIs that are easy to use and that can be adapted to the changing needs of individuals with disabilities.

Throughout the documentary, the filmmakers avoid taking a definitive position on the potential benefits and risks of BCIs. Instead, they present a balanced and nuanced view of this technology, acknowledging its potential while also highlighting the challenges that need to be overcome before it can be widely adopted.

In conclusion, I Am Human is a fascinating and thought-provoking documentary that explores the potential for BCIs to change the lives of individuals with disabilities. By weaving together personal stories with scientific and ethical questions, the film provides a nuanced view of this technology and the possibilities and limitations it presents.

I Am Human is a 2020 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5.