Month: November 2024

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Human augmentation is advancing fast, and I think it will become a big part of everyday life during my lifetime and long after. With developments in bioengineering, neural interfaces, and genetic editing, it’s easy to imagine a future where we can enhance our physical and mental abilities in ways that once seemed impossible. From devices that monitor our health to brain-computer interfaces that could improve memory or let us control technology with our minds, the line between natural and engineered might get very blurry.

There will probably be a lot of options for enhancing ourselves. Augmented reality contact lenses or neural implants could help us process information faster. Gene editing might eliminate genetic diseases or even improve traits like intelligence or physical strength. Exoskeletons could help people with disabilities or make physically demanding work easier. These advancements could give us more control over our bodies and abilities than ever before.

I’d be open to some augmentations, especially ones that improve quality of life. Things like better vision because I do not have 20/20 vision like I used to, real-time health monitoring, or tools to help with focus and memory sound great. I’d also consider neural interfaces if they could help with learning or managing tasks. But I’d be against any changes that could take away my autonomy or sense of self. For example, I wouldn’t trust augmentations that allow companies to monitor or control the tech in my body because I am already skeptical of some AI and companies having acess to my data and such but I would be uncomfortable with enhancements that create unfair divides between people who can afford them and those who can’t.

Human augmentation has a lot of potential to make life better, but it also raises some serious ethical questions. As these technologies become more common, we’ll need to find a balance between innovation and fairness, making sure they improve our lives without undermining what makes us human.

#BP06

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Based on how technology is altering in my lifetime currently I feel as though in the future time to come human augmentation has grown drastically. I do believe that the world or the US for example would still operate with a government but these companies will become a part of the government and gain control of the free will individuals currently have. I feel as though free will will become less and less as time goes on. Also, technology or Ai would take the place of more and more jobs solely done by humans while our physical world would turn completely digital, for example strictly online shopping. Many of the ways I feel the world would alter and change in my lifetime was presented in the movie I used for our recent research assignment. In code 46 one thing I noticed humans having to do other than give up a percentage of their free will to the government was using a device implemented into their bodies to travel from place to place. In the movie the government watches how, where and when all individuals travel to and they can be permitted not to travel anywhere if the government chooses not to. Another very strong reason I believe things as such would be implemented into the technology of my future is because of current politics. Currently according to politics in the news a lot of the things mentioned in the post and un class have been neutered or planned to occur in the near future.All new adaptations known to come to the future of technology I would be willing to give a try at least. Based on trying it I would then determine if I would incorporate such technology into my life. An adaptation I would refuse to try is anything which has too much control over my life or mind/body altering. Things made to make my life simpler such as ai or chat gpt i would have not issue using or even incorporating into my life.

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Even if we have not yet reached the dystopian extremities portrayed in these science fiction novels, the trend of corporate power, especially in the technology industry, indicates that companies may soon start to resemble these made-up worlds. Serious ethical concerns are raised by their influence over labor markets, technology, and even governments. Unchecked, this trend may result in situations where corporations dominate not just economic systems but also the fundamentals of identity and human existence. Megacorporations like Google, Amazon, Meta, and OpenAI are becoming more and more like the tech giants in these stories. They create and manage vital components of technology that influence day-to-day living, like artificial intelligence ,data collection, and surveillance systems. Particularly in fields like automation, data privacy, and AI ethics, their innovation is frequently unrestrained by significant state restriction. For instance, the quick development of strong language models by OpenAI in the absence of a defined regulatory framework may be compared to the rise of sophisticated AIs in Neuromancer. Like the “pill funders” in Machine Hood, businesses are using biotechnology, automation, and artificial intelligence to create the nature of employment in the future. While some professionals already utilize performance enhancing medications and nootropics to cope with high-pressure situations, biotech businesses are investigating ways to improve human performance through genetic engineering and cybernetic implants. Similar to how fictional companies control people in Neuromancer and Blade Runner, surveillance capitalism is growing, as businesses make money off of personal information. Businesses like Google and Meta collect enormous volumes of personal data in order to shape customer behavior, which raises moral questions regarding privacy and individual liberty. The power of corporations in geopolitics is growing. Some examples are social media behemoths affecting elections and political conversations around the world, or multinational businesses like Pfizer and Moderna during the COVID-19 epidemic. Like the Tyrell Corporation in Blade Runner, these corporations occasionally function outside the purview of national governments.

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One animal I would want to combine with myself  would be a crocodile and a wolf. I choose these 2 animals to hybrid with myself because one animal is known to land while another is known to water to different atmospheres combined and their capabilities can be used to lessen the barrier between animals and humans . One thing crocodiles are known for are their powerful jaws. Instead of slashing, their jaws are made to grab and crush. Their strength and interlocking teeth make it nearly impossible for victims to get away once they bite down. As a human we don’t have these capabilities so it would advance us in land and allow us to hunt. I am mainly familiar with wolves through movies and television shows, for example, twilight which I personally enjoy a lot. From watching this I noticed wolves are known for continuing to travel within a pact. Living in packs, wolves are gregarious creatures that usually consist of a family unit headed by an alpha pair. They may work together to hunt, raise young, and defend territory because of the pack system. Humans are familiar with loyalty but lack it very much so this would be an amazing addition.

When discussing the extent of the hybridness based on the qualities mentioned earlier I feel as though that’s where they should stop. A crocodile-wolf- human hybrid combination would be widely known for their hunting and traveling in a pact on land and water. The hybrid combination would not share any other known characteristics and it would remain as is. Although crocodiles tend to hunt alone, this hybrid may employ a pack tactic similar to that of wolves on land, fusing cooperation with stealth. The pack may conduct coordinated attacks by stalking prey from both land and water. They might even drag prey from the land into the water with their strong jaws and tails, which would make the attack much more deadly.

For this I would only give up the physical aspects of my humanity not my mentality whatsoever. I would allow a hybrid mix to take formation of my human body to still exist as a human with the ability to switch when needed. In the hybrid form or without the kinder would remain the same because such power requires a thinking brain.

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Human augmentation is rapidly transforming from a futuristic dream into a tangible reality. Based on what I’ve learned in class, I firmly believe it’s possible to achieve the advancements we’ve discussed—wearable technology, cognitive tools, and external physical enhancements—all within my lifetime. With the speed of innovation in biotechnology and artificial intelligence, these developments are not only feasible but likely to become widely accessible as costs decrease over time. I envision a future where practical, cost-efficient augmentation tools are available to enhance our lives without requiring exorbitant investments, making them accessible to people from diverse backgrounds.

When considering my engagement with human augmentation, I would limit myself to external technologies that don’t alter my physical body. Devices like augmented reality glasses, exoskeletons, or wearable health monitors would allow me to expand my capabilities without fundamentally changing who I am. For me, retaining my natural, physical self is essential, and I view external tools as a way to enhance my abilities while preserving my sense of identity.

However, I draw a firm line against technologies that could alter my mind. Neural implants or devices capable of influencing my thoughts or behavior are completely unacceptable. Such technology not only poses ethical risks, including misuse by external entities, but also threatens the autonomy and individuality that define humanity. I want to use technology to improve my life, not to compromise the essence of my being or my ability to think independently.

In my lifetime, I hope to see human augmentation flourish as a tool to empower individuals and create equity. By embracing ethical boundaries and prioritizing accessibility, these advancements can redefine our potential while ensuring that our humanity remains intact. It’s a future I’m excited to witness and carefully navigate. At the same time, I feel nervous about how society will adapt to these very possible advancements. Will we use them responsibly to promote equality and progress, or will they create new divisions and challenges? As we move toward this augmented future, I hope humanity chooses a path that empowers us all while protecting our shared values.

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The neon-lit world of Blade Runner paints a vivid picture of corporate dominance like the Tyrell Corporation. Tyrell isn’t just a business. It’s an entity that engineers the very fabric of life, creating replicants. This portrayal questions whether corporations in the real world are heading toward similar unchecked power or if Tyrell’s dystopian grip is merely a hyperbolic critique. In Blade Runner, the Tyrell Corporation displays incredible influence over society. It not only produces replicants but shapes the rules for their existence. Tyrell’s, “More human than human,” reflects its godlike ambitions illustrates the blurring ethical boundaries and placing profit and progress above morality. The corporation’s disregard for individuals echoes real-world instances of corporate exploitation. This shows people are often treated as commodities. For example, issues like exploitative labor practices in developing countries seen in companies outsourcing to sweatshops. Workers are reduced to tools for profit, much like Tyrell’s replicants. Similarly, Amazon’s treatment of warehouse workers reflect the difference between corporate power and human dignity. Tyrell’s world doesn’t feel as far away when we consider how these corporations continue to grow with limited regulatory oversight. However, it brings to attention that regulation often lags behind innovation. Corporations outmaneuver existing laws by exploiting loopholes or influencing policymakers. However, the risk remains that corporations could consolidate more power. Ultimately, Tyrell’s world serves as both a warning and a mirror. This resembles real-world greed and power accumulation of corporations while exaggerating their potential for unchecked control. Whether or not we descend into a dystopia depends on how rigorously we hold corporations accountable and resist the erosion of individual rights in the name of progress.

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If allowed to hybridize with an animal, my choice would be a tiger. Tigers symbolize power and independence. In my opinion, traits like that significantly enhance human capabilities while connecting us to one of nature’s most inspiring creatures. The physical traits of a tiger offer potential. Their strength and speed could redefine human endurance, making us more resilient in extreme conditions. Imagine having the ability to sprint with precision, leap great distances, or tackle physical challenges that currently push human limits. Their claws provide both defense and utility representing the everyday tasks and survival strategies. One of the most fascinating is the tiger’s heightened sensory perception. I would love this due to my eyesight being terrible. Tigers have great night vision that helps them to see clearly in low light. Hybridizing with a tiger could give humans similar capabilities, enhancing vision in dim conditions. Their hearing could expand human awareness maybe sharpening how we experience the world. However, hybridization with a tiger isn’t just about physical strength or enhanced senses, it’s also about embracing their emotional and social complexity. Tigers are independent yet deeply protective of their territories. These traits could inspire a more balanced approach to self-reliance and community, teaching us how to prioritize individuality. While I would embrace enhanced strength and sensory perception, I wouldn’t want to sacrifice essential human traits like emotional depth, abstract thinking, or the ability to engage in complex social dynamics. From a philosophical perspective, hybridizing with a tiger ties into themes of identity and ethics explored in cyberpunk and posthumanism. This raises questions about how much humanity can be preserved in these enhancements. Hybridization with a tiger represents a leap into the unknown, a chance to embrace strength, grace, and sensory awareness that goes beyond human capabilities. But it also serves as a reminder that power must be tempered with wisdom to ensure that these abilities enhance rather than compromise to make us human.