Binaural Beats at the Crossroads of Computer Science and Ethics: From Audio Processing to Digital Drugs
Eman A. Sayed · Multicriteria Algorithms with Applications · 2025
The emergence of digital drugs, particularly in the form of binaural beats, has drawn increasing attention across neuroscience, psychology, and computer science. These auditory stimuli are marketed for their potential to modulate mood, enhance cognition, and support non-pharmacological therapeutic interventions. While some empirical studies suggest effects on brainwave activity and emotional regulation, the scientific evidence remains inconsistent, and the sociotechnical implications are not yet well understood. Binaural beats occupy a unique position at the intersection of algorithmic audio processing, consumer wellness, and digital media environments, where their use is often promoted without adequate regulatory oversight or ethical guidance. This survey brings together interdisciplinary perspectives to examine the current state of research on binaural beats and their classification as digital drugs. It reviews technical foundations in audio synthesis and neural entrainment, analyzes psychological and clinical studies, and explores usage trends across cultural and digital contexts. In doing so, it identifies key gaps in empirical validation, demographic profiling, and content moderation practices. The paper also discusses the role of algorithmic recommendation systems in shaping user exposure and proposes directions for ethical decision-support mechanisms. By integrating insights from computer science, cognitive neuroscience, and digital policy, this survey provides a comprehensive foundation for understanding both the potential and the risks of binaural beats in contemporary digital ecosystems.