RESEARCHERS have linked 'dark' personality traits with a desire to enhance their brain power. <\/p>\n
A new study published in theJournal of Cognitive Enhancement looked at the correlation between certain personality traits and the desire to enhance human abilities. <\/p>\n
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\"Enhancement of human abilities has been a prominent topic throughout human history, but has received little attention from psychological research,\" said study author Elena Schnthaler of the University of Graz.<\/p>\n
Nowadays, thanks to advanced technology, there are significantly more possibilities and means to optimize ones abilities,\" Schnthaler added. <\/p>\n
\"Finding out who would use enhancement methods has thus become an urgent question to answer.\" <\/p>\n
In the study, 450 participants were assessed via scientifically-validated questionnaires that measured their personality traits. <\/p>\n
The participants also filled out an assessment of their personal values.<\/p>\n
Eight personality traits were of significance to the researchers: the 'Big Five' and the 'Dark triad'.<\/p>\n
The big five personality traits are openness, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, the 'Dark Triad' consists of Machiavellianism, sub-clinical narcissism, and sub-clinical psychopathy.<\/p>\n
Researchers presented the participants with five different hypothetical methods to improve their brain power. <\/p>\n
The methods included a new drug, two types of brain stimulation, genetic enhancement, and mind uploading.<\/p>\n
Subjects were then asked to indicate how likely they were to try any of the methods. <\/p>\n
After looking at their results, researchers saw a link between the Dark Triad and Big Five personality traits and personal values, and willingness to improve cognitive capabilities. <\/p>\n
\"Specifically, individuals high in agreeableness and conscientiousness and\/or individuals following more conservative or self-transcending values (e.g., caring for the well-being of others) are less likely to accept self-enhancement methods,\" Schnthaler explained.<\/p>\n
However, individuals high in Dark Triad traits and vulnerable narcissism and\/or individuals following self-interested values are more likely to accept enhancement methods for their own use,\" Schnthaler added.<\/p>\n
\"This indicates that personality and values should be taken into account when investigating enhancement methods, especially to prevent misuse of enhancement methods with possibly negative consequences.\"<\/p>\n
Still, researchers noted that just because someone wishes to enhance themselves, that doesn't mean they are exhibiting signs of a 'dark' personality trait.<\/p>\n
They also pointed out that their findings were statistically significant but still weak. <\/p>\n
There are likely many other factors that influence a persons desire to self-enhance.<\/p>\n
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Read the rest here: <\/p>\n
People with dark personality type desire enhancing their brains with future tech, new study reveals... - The US Sun<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" RESEARCHERS have linked 'dark' personality traits with a desire to enhance their brain power. A new study published in theJournal of Cognitive Enhancement looked at the correlation between certain personality traits and the desire to enhance human abilities Continue reading