Month: November 2024

Reading Time: 3 minutes

So, the other day, I was scrolling through Instagram (you know, my usual), and I stumbled upon this webtoon called Emmy the Robot. It’s about a high-end robotic nanny named Emmy, who works for the Delaire family. And let me tell you, she’s out here doing it all—taking kids to school, running errands, cleaning, the whole shebang. Right after that, I saw robots serving drinks at Elon Musk’s We, Robot event, and my brain did a little flip. I thought, Hold up, is this really where we’re headed? So, I started wondering: How in the world will human augmentation evolve in our generation?

Let me take you back real quick. Growing up, I didn’t have cable, so I had to get cozy with old-school shows my parents grew up with—like The Jetsons. It aired back in 1962 and was basically the blueprint for futuristic living: flying cars, robot maids, automated everything. But now, looking at the way technology is shaping up, I’m a little nervous about where this might go. I mean, we just had a whole situation where an AI chatbot led a child to commit suicide, and that’s honestly terrifying. With that in mind, I don’t know if I want to be living in The Jetsons world just yet.

That being said, there’s a weird part of me that’s kind of excited for the Jetsons-style future. The Jetsons wasn’t really about people turning into cyborgs—it was about using external tech to make life easier, like robot assistants or flying cars. And let’s be real, we’re already living in a version of that future. I saw robots at that Elon Musk event—serving drinks—and I was like, Okay, I can get down with this. Not to mention, we already have a lot of the things the Jetsons predicted: smart appliances, flying cars (haven’t been commercialized yet, but they exist), video calls, remote work, and AI and automation. But let’s be honest: We still need to get the basics right, like biometric data privacy. We’re all aware of how shady big companies can be with our personal data. For a deeper dive into this topic, check out my podcast: Biometric Breakthroughs: The Future is Now. Until these companies can prove they won’t use my information to sell me new items on Instagram, I’m staying skeptical about some of the more extreme tech.

An image from The Jetsons, showcasing the show’s futuristic technology. Source: Marketwatch.com

Now, don’t get me wrong, I do think some of this tech is gonna become the norm. Robots delivering drinks? Sure, why not. Self-driving cars? Absolutely. But full-on bio-enhancements—like Neuralink or body mods that turn us into Inspector Gadget? I don’t think that’s happening anytime soon. And even if it does, I’m not sure I’m ready to have a jet pack built into my body just yet. (Although, lowkey, a jet pack sounds kinda cool. I would never be let to work again!)

But here’s the thing: I’m definitely not interested in modifying my body for bio-enhancements. No thanks! As I said in my last post, Human Hybridization? Hell No. I’m not about to let tech mess with my Black body. The idea of bio-enhancements feels like an insult to my heritage and my identity. My body is perfect just the way it is—don’t try to fix something that’s not broken, period.

At the end of the day, I think we’ll see more robots, more AI, and maybe even some cool tech like self-driving cars. But I don’t think we’re gonna see full-on cyborgs anytime soon. And if we do? I’ll be watching from the sidelines, sipping my drink served by ChatGPT only—because let’s be real, I’ve seen too many robot vengeance stories. Keeping my body just the way it was meant to be. No chips, no neural links, just me and my black, beautiful, and unmodified self.

Man relaxing in Pool GIF. Source: GIFDB.com

Works Cited:

Domcell. (2020, April 5). Emmy the Robot. www.webtoons.com. https://www.webtoons.com/en/canvas/emmy-the-robot/list?title_no=402201

Image from The Jetsons, showcasing the show’s futuristic technology [Web Image ]. (n.d.). https://ei.marketwatch.com/Multimedia/2014/05/27/Photos/MG/MW-CF983_jetson_20140527071125_MG.jpg?uuid=af967b3e-e58f-11e3-bbf7-00212803fad6

Man relaxing in Pool GIF [GIF]. (n.d.). GIFDB.com. https://gifdb.com/images/high/man-relaxing-in-pool-u3h4a9ug6w8sdl3b.gif

Tesla. (2024). We, Robot | Tesla. Tesla. https://www.tesla.com/we-robot

Wikipedia. (2024, September 2). The Jetsons. Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Retrieved November 23, 2024, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jetsons

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This past year I have seen and become aware of technology that seems futuristic in my eyes. For example, ChatGPT still feels surreal to use because it literally knows more than an educated human and that is scary. I also know that there are modifications or additions that can be made to humans to make use more advanced.I’ve heard of bionic limbs and of course we have heart implants and cochlear implants already. In my lifetime I could definitely see there being technology made for each body part that enables bionic abilities.

As of right now, I can’t even imagine myself going through with any procedure that would make me more advanced. The most I could see myself doing is bionic eyes (if that is invented).I would enjoy having eyesight thats better than human eyesight. Sometimes with glasses,I still wish I could see clearer (like if I was at a concert in really high seats). With that being said, I could see my opinion changing if everyone around me has multiple augmentations. Society could very likely evolve in a way that makes human augmentation normal and widespread.

In addition, I think adaptations such as supplements or technology that increase your intelligence would be unappceptable. I think that would be a shortcut for mankind,and one that could disrupt it. I can’t imagine a world where everyo0ne is on the same level intellectually. Although its great to have intelligent people, I think it is also great for us to embrace our differences and intelligence is one of them. Ultimately, I can see augmentations in the future as things that make us more a like and decreases individuality. In conclusion, the same way that AI makes us feel useless, I think augmentations would make us feel less individualistic. 

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I believe that human augmentation will advance from a medical necessity to a personal enhancement in my lifetime. In order to treat diseases or disabilities, modern technology such as pacemakers, cochlear implants, and prosthetic limbs are mostly rehabilitative. As these technologies progress and become more inexpensive, their focus is likely to turn to efficiency. While neural implants could improve cognitive function or memory, gene-editing methods may make it possible to eliminate inherited diseases or even select for traits that one would want. Implantable devices that offer health monitoring in real time or enhance physical traits like strength or endurance could replace wearable technology. 

I would be able to argue for modifications that would enhance the health and standard of living because of these options. For example, to avoid cognitive loss that is associated with aging, I would look into brain enhancements or devices that improve the senses, such as VR implants. These inventions have the ability to improve not just the lives of individuals but also the efficiency and well-being of society as a whole. 

However, I do believe that certain modifications are ethically questionable. For example, genetic alterations meant to improve IQ or superficial traits may worsen social inequality by dividing those who can afford these advancements from the ones who cannot. In the same way, philosophical questions over what it means to be human are raised by enhancements that significantly blur the line between human and machine, such as full-body cyborg transformations or artificially intelligent networks which destroy individual autonomy. These changes run the risk of destroying the basic characteristics of individuality and identity, transforming people into a divided and commercialized person. 

Finally, human enhancements and modifications will bring both amazing potential and significant challenges. I favor inventions that improve equality, health, and the well-being of all people, but believe society has to carefully find a balance between advancement and morals to keep our common humanity in mind. 

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As we progress into the future, human augmentation is likely to advance rapidly, offering new ways to enhance individual lives and reshape society, both physically and mentally. Emerging technologies will improve our cognitive abilities, such as memory, learning, and problem-solving, allowing us to process information more quickly and efficiently. These advancements could also significantly enhance our physical well-being by boosting traits like strength, intelligence, and even immunity. With these improvements, we could potentially live longer, healthier lives, with reduced chances of chronic illness. In the most extreme scenarios, as depicted in movies like “Alita: Battle Angel” , we may even reach a point where our physical bodies are no longer necessary at all, just our brains could remain, housed in robotic bodies. Alita, for example, was a cyborg whose body was entirely robotic, but her brain remained human, demonstrating how technology could free us from the limitations of our mortal form.I personally would be open to trying augmentations that improve my memory. As a student I would like to be able to easily retain the information that is taught to me without the hours of constant stress of worrying if I will be able to remember the information when it is needed. If I had an augmentation that improved my memory and allowed me to take a snapshot of my notes I would be able to live life more carefree. The adaptation that would be unacceptable in my view would be mind uploading. While mind uploading might help enhance the lives of others there should be limits. Like in the movie Alita, mind uploading raises profound questions surrounding identity and the essence of life. This technology would deepen social inequalities and create a future where only the wealthy have access to immortality or enhanced abilities, fundamentally altering the human experience in ways that may not be desirable.

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In Blade Runner, the Tyrell Corporation is an example of unchecked power and greed. The company creates replicants while ignoring the moral and ethical implications of what they do. The motto “More human than human” shows the need for the corporation to surpass humans no matter the cost. Comparing the corporation to the corporation of today it’s hard not to think we are going in the same direction. I think that although the film showed real concerns about oppressive corporations, I believe that it’s more of a warning than a future prediction.  

In the film, replicants are designed to serve humanity but are treated as expendable commodities rather than actual beings. With no rights they’re essentially tools for labor and entertainment. This mirrors real-world issues where human rights are often secondary to corporate interests. For instance, companies in fast fashion like sweat shops that frequently exploitative labor of people, particularly in developing countries. Workers endure poor conditions and low wages in order to keep costs down, much like the replicants in Blade Runner who are exploited for maximum efficiency.   

Today’s corporate giants, especially in tech, exhibit some traits that feel like the Tyrell Corporation. Companies like Amazon and Facebook hold massive influence over economies, governments, and even individual lives. For example, Amazon has been criticized for treating its warehouse workers unfairly and subjecting them to harsh conditions. Also, Meta has been accused of putting profit over individuals. These examples show that modern corporations sometimes prioritize growth over morals and ethics, much like the Tyrell Corporation in the film.  The Tyrell Corporation serves as a powerful warning about what happens when companies are left unchecked. While the aspects of exploitation and prioritizing profit over people resonate with today’s issues, the future it presents isn’t inevitable. Instead, it’s a warning of what could happen if we don’t hold corporations accountable for their impact on society.  

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Humans Vs AI a concept that we contemplate daily. As I think about the future of human augmentation and what it makes look like in my lifetime I’m torn. On the one hand, I’m excited for the new possibilities’ technology would bring about. On the other hand, I have cause for concern for the loss of humanity. It was a time when enhanced physical abilities were things produced in movies and now, they happen. There are endless possiblities when it comes to technology. But this begs the question how far do we take it? What does it mean to be human? How far should alterations go?  

Personally, I’d be open to some of these changes, but only if they align with who I am and what I value. For example, enhanced prosthetics could make everyday tasks easier, especially for people with disabilities. These technologies could help us push past natural limitations and open new ways to experience the world. I’d also consider mental and physical improvement of memory or learning speed in the elderly. I might also be interested in augmentations that improve physical endurance or reduce wear and tear on my body as I age. These kinds of enhancements improve the quality of life and have the power to change many lives.  

Although I am comfortable with some adaptations there are some things I wouldn’t be ok with. For instance, any modifications that are driven by superficial reasons, like achieving a “perfect” version of myself. These kinds of changes seem to prioritize societal standards over individuality and could lead to a loss of what makes humans unique. I’d also draw the line at technologies that compromise anyone’s personal freedoms. Any technology that is created with the intention to oppress others wouldn’t be accepted either. Also, anything that the majority of people couldn’t have access to because of economics and status. The idea of a world where augmentations are required to succeed, leaving those who don’t have the means behind, is something I’d be strongly against. In the end, I believe that human augmentation has the potential to change lives and the world, but only if its used as a tool and maintains humanity and individuality.  

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After learning about the many  uses of technology in present society I have seen the start of  human augmentation and the potential growth of it. In current society, if someone has something about themselves that they don’t like such as their nose, skin tone, height, etc., they can get a surgery to change it. People get procedures to augment any part of their body through the use of cosmetic surgery. Through the use of prosthetics, amputees have been able to regain mobility and use of their other limbs. In the future, I believe I will see human augmentations with AI in it. These procedures would likely enhance their prosthetic’s capabilities through the use of AI, thus giving the people almost superhuman abilities. I believe that people who can afford the procedure would likely get it. This is because many people would love to be able to do and try things they once could not. For others, we may see them getting the procedure to try to be on a leveled playing field as those who have the augmentations. 

These augmentations may be cool, however, I personally would not want to augment my body. I naturally have everything that I need and through acquisition of knowledge I can grow without have to cause modifications to my body. Although the idea of getting augmentations that could make me be stronger and able to think faster sounds nice, the reality is that with more power comes more responsibility. Any adaptation that adds additional power to people is unacceptable in my view. Many people who have power in other ways such as through money, popularity, or weaponry typically misuse and abuse groups that they view as lesser than them. In some cases, they may not even intentionally harm these individuals but they can get caught in the crossfire between them and other individuals who have equal power. These augmentations would cause another source of harm to society.

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Given the opportunity to hyrbridize, I would want to combine with a dolphin. Dolphins are some of the most intelligent animals on Earth. Additionally, they are also incredibly social creatures that show attributes of playfulness and adaptability. They also have some cool physical abilties such as echolocation, allowing them to navigate and see their surroundings in ways that exceed human capability. Combining human intelligence with dolphin natural capability could create opportunities for perceiving and interacting with the world in new ways.

I would want the hybridiziarion to be both selective and functional. For example, I would welcome the ability to breathe underwater and develop enhanced sensory perception; but, I would want to maintain my human appearance and cognition. The goal would be to blend these traits seamlessly into my exiting humanity. The result would be my ability to explore and understand ecosystems in the ocean, while still engaging with human society.

Regarding how much of my humanity I would be willing to sacrifice, I would set the limit at emotional and social connections. While I’m open to some physical alterations for dolphin-like characteristics (such as enhanced lung capacity or modified skin for life underwater), I would oppose any changes that would undermine my human emotions, creativity, or relationships. For me, becoming a hybrid would enhance and broaden my skills, rather than erase or lessen my humanity.

In the end, this thought experiment prompts significant questions about identity: How much of our humanity is linked to our biology, and how much is influenced by our experiences and relationships? The idea of a dolphin-human hybrid could provide a fresh viewpoint on these limits without entirely eliminating them.