Month: November 2024

The Potential Future of Cyborg?

Jenna L.
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Ghost in the Shell, 1995.

Now that this course is coming to an end, as I sit and type this I reflect back to all of the things that I’ve learned. For starters the class subject as a whole was something new to me. I was familiar with the cyberpunk genre, but I wasn’t too well versed in it because it’s not a genre I commonly strive to watch, read, etc. However, the different facets of this genre was interesting to learn about as well as tying it into the postglobal posthuman aspect. Two terms I had nooo idea about!

As we go further into the future, as it relates to human augmentation, I don’t think there’ll be full on cyborgs like it’s normally depicted within the cyberpunk genre, but I think we’ll get pretty close. With the rise of AI and prosthetics for those who are missing limbs, I can see the future of prosthetics being super high tech to the point where the prosthetic will be so advanced that it’s completely like the limb that was lost. However, I see it just functioning like a normal limb, not something that can turn into a knife, sword, or bazooka gun, or toaster to help someone toast bread while on the go LOL! 


If in the future there are more creations that can be integrated with humans, I don’t think I’d do it. It sounds scary, and I think I’m fine the way I am. Fortunately for me, besides prosthetic limbs, I don’t see the future being too crazy when it comes to human augmentation. However, I am currently seeing all sorts of new things about robots. On X, formully known as twitter, I’ve been seeing a whole lot about the Tesla Robot. And from the knowledge of the few films I’ve seen, getting too involved with robots usually ends up in a robot takeover. So hopefully this invention doesn’t flourish.

Redefining Humanity

Sydney V.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

In my lifetime, human augmentation has evolved from a fictional idea to a more attainable invention. Technologies such as wearable fitness watches, prosthetics, and genetic engineering that we have today give us opportunities to enhance our human capabilities. When using these technologies, we must balance reaping their benefits with ensuring that we do not violate ethical boundaries.

This image was generated with ChatGPT on 23 November 2024. https://chatgpt.com/c/67427cec-19a8-8012-8a9a-2e0d12304e93

I think human augmentation will continue to evolve, and probably at a faster rate than we have seen before, in my lifetime. Wearable fitness watches like Apple watches and Garmins have advanced significantly over the past few years. The watches were previously used only to tell the time and track steps. Now, they can be used to track heart rate, notify the authorities if you get hurt, and potentially detect cardiac or respiratory issues. These functions allow us to know more about our health and transcend the typical health tracking we would be able to have at home. Prosthetics will most likely become more advanced and superior to human limbs. This type of human augmentation could lead to people getting prosthetics to help them surpass human limitations. This also could be useful to help people become more efficient in physical work which would contribute to our capitalist society. Genetic engineering and testing has been useful to help detect genetic disorders and diseases in people, especially before birth, to know their risk. Recently, the concept of choosing the characteristics for babies has also become more widespread. This will become dangerous as people begin using this to choose traits like appearance, intelligence, and personality. This could cause ethical issues because people are basically building their own children.

The level that I would go in terms of human augmentation is very limited. I currently use an Apple watch and plan to continue to use it since it encourages me to be active. It also has been useful in notifying me if there is a change in my heart rate trends or if I have a hard fall. Another human augmentation I would potentially use is Botox. As a future dermatologist, I see the benefit of using a little bit of Botox; however, I would not use a lot of cosmetic enhancements. I would not use any human augmentations that would push me way too far beyond my human limitations. I feel like that is immoral and disregards what it means to be human.

Pushing Limits: How Human Augmentation Could Change Our Lives

Amanda F.
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Technology is advancing at an incredible pace, and ideas that once seemed like science fiction are becoming real possibilities. In our lifetime, human augmentation could evolve in ways that completely change how we live, work, and interact with the world. From enhancing physical abilities to boosting mental capacities, the potential for human augmentation is enormous. However, with these advancements come important questions about what changes we would accept and where we might draw the line.

One of the most exciting areas of human augmentation is physical enhancement. Future technologies might include biomechanical limbs that are stronger and faster than natural ones or exoskeletons that give people superhuman strength and endurance. Another possibility is genetic editing, which could help eliminate diseases or improve overall health. These types of augmentations could significantly improve quality of life, especially for individuals with disabilities or chronic conditions. Imagine a world where people with physical limitations could regain full mobility or where genetic tweaks could prevent diseases like cancer or Alzheimer’s before they ever start.

Mental augmentation is another area that could redefine what it means to be human. Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), for example, could allow people to interact directly with technology using their thoughts. These advancements might make it possible to improve memory, focus, or even learn new skills instantly. For students like me, a neural implant that enhances focus or helps store long-term information could be life-changing. These technologies could also open up new ways to work and create, making everyday tasks more efficient and less stressful.

While these possibilities are exciting, there are certain augmentations I would feel comfortable adopting and others I would reject. Personally, I would be open to technologies that improve my health or expand my natural abilities in ways that feel practical and non-invasive. For example, I would consider using augmented reality (AR) contact lenses to overlay useful information or genetic edits to prevent disease. Neural implants that boost memory or focus also seem like reasonable options, as they could enhance everyday productivity without fundamentally altering my identity.

On the other hand, there are certain types of augmentation that I would avoid because they cross a personal or ethical boundary. For instance, I would not be comfortable replacing large parts of my body with artificial components, as this could compromise my sense of humanity. Similarly, I would reject the idea of genetic editing for purely cosmetic reasons, such as changing physical traits or creating “designer babies.” These types of changes could deepen social inequalities and raise difficult ethical questions. Finally, I would avoid technologies that alter consciousness or upload the mind to a computer. While fascinating in theory, these concepts challenge the very idea of what it means to be a person.

In addition to personal preferences, the broader implications of human augmentation must be considered. Who will have access to these technologies, and how will society prevent them from increasing inequality? If only wealthy individuals can afford these upgrades, it could create a world where the gap between the “enhanced” and the “non-enhanced” becomes insurmountable. There is also the question of how much control we should give to corporations and governments over these advancements. These are critical issues that need to be addressed before human augmentation becomes widespread.

In conclusion, human augmentation has the potential to transform our lives in remarkable ways, offering new opportunities to overcome limitations and enhance our abilities. However, it also raises important ethical and personal questions about what it means to be human and how we can use technology responsibly. For me, the key is finding a balance—embracing changes that improve life while being cautious about those that might strip away our humanity. As we move forward, society must navigate these challenges carefully to ensure that human augmentation benefits everyone and aligns with our core values.

How will AI Change our Lives

Zoe C.
Reading Time: 1 minute

Human augmentation, whether of body or mind, sounds like science fiction, but it’s now a field that’s rapidly approaching. Over the coming decades, we’re going to witness unimaginable breakthroughs that will blur the lines of what it means to be human. From physical enhancements to cognitive upgrades, the possibilities will test our understanding of ourselves and our limitations. In my lifetime, human augmentation will move from optional upgrades to essential tools. Wearables, such as smartwatches, are only the first step. Apple is constantly upgrading its products and using more and more AI. Neural implants could permit instant access to knowledge or perhaps even permit control of devices directly from the mind. Bioprinted organs and tissues may replace not only failing parts of the body but also improve them. Consider a liver, which can process alcohol more effectively, or even a heart that never tires. Physical augmentations like exoskeletons could give people superhuman strength and endurance, revolutionizing industries like construction or healthcare. If given the choice, I’d consider enhancements that help with learning and productivity. A neural implant that sharpens memory or improves focus would be appealing, especially as demands on our time grow. Physical improvements, like enhanced vision or better stamina, would also be useful, provided they were safe and reversible. However, I would draw the line at enhancements that involve changing personality, emotions, or individuality. It’s imperative to retain a sense of self, and anything getting in the way of this would feel wrong to me. Yet, these technologies come with risks. Will they remain affordable and available, or will they widen the social gap? Might they be turned to surveillance and control? As much as human augmentation excites me, we need to approach it with caution-balancing progress with ethics.
Ultimately, human augmentation is a question of choice. It’s about the choices we make to push our limits and the values we will uphold. That brings amazing potential; it’s up to us to use the technology wisely. Would you want these enhancements, or would you rather remain as nature designed you? Personally, I would take these enhancements with a grain of salt. It is obvious that every human being will want to improve their lives and make themselves better. There will just be a group of individuals who use this AI enhancement wisely and others who just take things overboard and forget what it is like to be human. If we use these enhancements safely, we can all shape this future of AI together.

How Human Augmentation Could Evolve in a Cyberpunk Future

Helina A.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

I think human augmentation will become a huge part of life. Technology is moving fast, and it’s not hard to imagine a world where people can enhance themselves with machines and genetic tweaks to go beyond what nature ever intended. This could make life better for many people, but it also raises a lot of questions about fairness, identity, and how far we should go.  

There will probably be options to enhance almost every part of the human body and mind. Brain implants could let people access the internet instantly or even communicate with others just by thinking. Cybernetic arms and legs might be stronger and faster than regular ones, giving people superhuman abilities. Augmented eyes could give you night vision, zoom, or even access to virtual reality overlays in real life. We might even be able to rewrite our DNA to avoid diseases or make ourselves faster, smarter, or more resistant to stress. Beyond function, these upgrades might also become a way to express individuality, like glowing tattoos or custom-designed prosthetics that look futuristic and cool.  

There are some upgrades I’d be interested in trying, especially ones that improve my health or make life easier. For example, a brain implant that helps with memory or focus would be really useful in school and work. Augmented vision or hearing that you can turn on and off sounds great too—imagine being able to zoom in on a concert or hear someone talking across a noisy room. Health-focused implants, like ones that track your vitals or boost healing, could also be a game-changer. These kinds of upgrades seem practical and wouldn’t feel like I’m losing what makes me, me.

But there are definitely limits to what I think is okay. I wouldn’t want anything that could control my thoughts or let someone spy on me, like a brain implant that tracks everything I do. That feels way too invasive and dystopian. I’m also against upgrades that are just about vanity or show-off competition, like genetic tweaks for perfect looks or enhancements that only rich people can afford. In a cyberpunk-style future, where inequality is a huge problem, these kinds of augmentations could make life even harder for those who can’t keep up.  

In Closing

Ranaya B.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Because of this class, I’ve been diving into the futuristic world of human augmentation, where technology collides with biology to reshape what it means to be human. Picture a reality where the lines between flesh and machine blur, and you’re left asking: What makes us… us? Cyberpunk stories paint a captivating yet often unsettling vision of how far we might go to enhance ourselves. This class hasn’t just opened my eyes to the possibilities; it’s also forced me to think about  the deeper ethical and cultural questions surrounding this high-tech evolution.

The truth is, human augmentation isn’t just a sci-fi fantasy, it’s unfolding right now. With breakthroughs in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and nanotech, the future is racing toward us. In my lifetime, I expect to see augmentations that transform physical abilities like superhuman strength or sharper senses and even rewire how we think through memory-enhancing implants or brain-computer interfaces. Tools like CRISPR gene editing and neural prosthetics are already making this a reality. As someone with a science background, I’m both fascinated and cautious. These innovations could unlock extraordinary potential, but they also raise tough questions about access, fairness, and the essence of identity.

What’s especially exciting is the idea that these enhancements could be as personalized as a custom-fit suit. Imagine technology that restores mobility to those with disabilities. Personally, I’m drawn to upgrades that offer practical benefits with minimal disruption, things like boosting memory, enhancing resilience to stress, or integrating wearable tech seamlessly into daily life. These changes feel like they could elevate productivity and well-being without making me feel less “me.”

Still, not every upgrade is tempting. Some augmentations lead into territory I find unsettling like replacing entire body systems or fundamentally altering thought processes. These kinds of extreme changes challenge the core of what makes us human. And what about augmentations purely for unfair advantages? Those could widen the gap between the haves and have-nots, creating a world where inequality is literally wired into our bodies.

At the end of the day, I’m both curious and cautious. The promise of human augmentation is thrilling, but it’s not without its risks. This class has shown me that as we inch closer to this augmented future, we need thoughtful, inclusive conversations to guide us. After all, what we choose to become will shape more than just ourselves; it will define the very fabric of our society.

The Future of Human Augmentation

Jayla R.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

In a world where technology constantly pushes the boundaries of human abilities, the question isn’t whether or not we can enhance ourselves but how far we are willing to go. The future of human augmentation is extremely bright if you ask me. Altering yourself using technology or other means is advancing at a rapid pace. Fifty years ago, genetic engineering, virtual reality, and 3D bioprinting were merely things of science fiction. Considering what I’ve learned and contemplated in this class, I believe that human augmentation will evolve significantly in my lifetime to the point where it will become difficult to differentiate between the biological and technological.

I envision human augmentation being particularly beneficial for individuals dealing with health and physical challenges. For example, devices could be developed to improve overall health and alert medical professionals if a serious issue arises. Personally, I would value a device designed to help manage anxiety, especially since it can be debilitating at times. Something wearable that alleviates feelings of inadequacy or discomfort would make a profound difference in my life. Additionally, I would appreciate advanced technologies to address vision and hearing impairments. If something like that became available, I’d be the first to embrace them.

However, I believe clear ethical boundaries must be upheld. Through my research on designer babies, I’ve learned how certain augmentations can cross ethical lines, especially when they promote inequality or create unfair advantages. Any form of augmentation that undermines equality or fairness would be unacceptable in my view. Also, any augmentation that involves an extremely invasive process to be used. Painful surgical implants and things of that nature are absolutely unacceptable to me and aren’t conducive to human progress.

Human augmentation will progress throughout my lifetime and as it does, it will not only alter how we traditionally view humanity and technology, but it will also make us consider our physical and mental limits and how far we can go until technology exceeds those limits. Some augmentations might allow humans to overcome our natural constraints, others risk undermining the fundamental essence of what makes us human. To make sure that these advances won’t do more harm than good, we will need to be extremely careful in remaining ethical and don’t abuse whatever technological innovation we have.

Tyrell Corporation: Not Far From Fiction

Devin P.
Reading Time: < 1 minute

In Blade Runner, the Tyrell Corporation accentuates corporate overreach and unethicality. It creates highly evolved technoogical “Replicats,” artificalial being that are indistiguishable from humans. They are designed to be exploited, and used for labor and warfare. The corporation prides itself on making porducts that are “more human than human” making a model out of surpassing human limitationts. The companies actions lead to severe consequences in the film that include social unrest, existential crisis and violence.

There some parallels that can be made between the Tyrell Corporations, and corporations of the contemporary world. Companies such as Amazon have faced criticism for their treatment of workers as expendable resources, similar to Tyrell’s exploitation of the Replicants. Furthermore, there are corporations crticized for their monopolization of markets and greed for power and influence. These include some tech giant like Google, Meta, and Amazon which have been caught overstepping in realms of privacy and information.

While these comparisons are important to make, there is of course the idea of potential hyperbolization of reality because the Tyrell Corporation is a work of fiction. Despite this, some realistic predictions can be made. If technological adavancements contune to evolve without proper ethical oversight, there is an increased risk of exploitation, dehumanization, and inequality. A consolidation of power by a few corporations, in AI and biotech fields specfically, is a very real concern.

The Future of Human Augmentation

Devin P.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

As time progresses, human augmentation continues to become more of a reality. For starters, wearable technology such as exoskeletons will become the norm, evolving into surgically-placed devices that enhance strength, agility, and endurance. Prosthetics will also see an evolution with integrations such as neural-link and neural interfaces that will offer capabilities far beyond those of natural limbs.

Speaking further of the neural aspects of augmentation, “brain-computer” interfaces will allow for direct interaction with computers, potentially improving memory, learning speed, and critical thinking capabilities.

I feel that for myself, I will have several option available to me that will allow for me to live a bit further than nature intended. As aforementioned, neural implants will become a common augmentation in society. Health-oriented augmentations will advance too, that could possibly extend and improve quality of life in humans. This goes for physical and biochemical enhancements. There will be bioengineering that will improve immunity, strength, and other physical attributes.

There will also be some adaptations that won’t catch on in society, and will most likely be deemed unacceptable. Any augmentation’s that might resort from loss of autonomy such as thoe controlled by external entities or vulnerable to hacking would be unacceptable. Any enhancements that alter personality, emotions, or moral reasoning go in this category as well. There are some augmentation that I wouldn’t personally like; but society might be indifferent to. Those include enhancements that cater primarily to aesthetic trend or take advantage of social influence.

There are many overall ethical implications that come with augmentation technology and its advancement. There are many concerns that will rise, and many questions that will follow such as; who will get access to these enhancements? how will they mold societal structure? what regulations will need to be implemented to monitor augmentations use? These are all questions that will need to be answered as augmentation becomes more of a reality in my lifetime.

What is it to Even Be Human?

Olivia S.
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Donna Haraway’s Cyborg Manifesto and Janelle MonĂĄe’s Dirty Computer may appear to be from vastly different worlds—an academic essay from the mid-1980s and a futuristic concept album from 2018. Yet, both works converge on shared themes of identity, resistance, and the fluidity of the human identity. Haraway’s cyborg—a fusion of machine and organism that disrupts conventional boundaries—is mirrored in MonĂĄe’s portrayal of “dirty computers,” individuals whose non-conforming identities challenge societal norms in a dystopian world. MonĂĄe takes Haraway’s theoretical vision and weaves it into a heartfelt narrative, exploring fluidity, rebellion, and liberation.

Haraway’s essay imagines a “post-gender” world where identity is no longer constrained by traditional binaries. Her cyborg metaphor dismantles divisions such as human/machine, nature/culture, and male/female, arguing that these boundaries perpetuate inequality. Similarly, MonĂĄe’s album celebrates identities that resist categorization, representing her own fluid identity. Songs like “PYNK” embrace the fluidity of gender and sexuality, rejecting fixed definitions in favor of a spectrum. MonĂĄe’s lyrics and visuals suggest that liberation lies in embracing multiplicity—an idea central to Haraway’s manifesto.

This image was created by ChatGPT on 22 November 2024. https://chatgpt.com/c/6740b8ff-9844-8009-bf63-205b500367fd

Moreover, Haraway frames the cyborg as inherently political, a symbol of resistance against oppressive systems. This is vividly echoed in MonĂĄe’s Dirty Computer, which tells the story of Jane 57821, a rebel in a society that “cleans” non-conforming individuals to erase their identities. Tracks like “Django Jane” and “Crazy, Classic, Life” celebrate defiance and self-expression, aligning with Haraway’s vision of the cyborg as a figure that destabilizes oppressive power structures. MonĂĄe’s dystopia critiques real-world systems of control, from surveillance to social conformity, much like Haraway’s cyborg challenges the dominance of capitalist and patriarchal ideologies. Haraway’s cyborg can be further examined in this analysis by Rebecca Pohl.

MonĂĄe also mirrors Haraway’s exploration of technology as a double-edged sword. In Cyborg Manifesto, technology is both a tool of oppression and a means of subversion. The cyborg’s hybridity offers a way to reimagine identity beyond traditional limits. Similarly, MonĂĄe’s album presents technology as a battleground. Songs like “Screwed” critique how power exploits technological tools, while the album’s narrative ultimately suggests that technology can also be reclaimed for liberation. The concept of being a “dirty computer” embraces the idea of imperfection as a form of resistance, much like Haraway’s cyborg rejects purity in favor of hybrid identities.

Finally, both Haraway and MonĂĄe emphasize the importance of collective solidarity. Haraway envisions a world where the cyborg fosters new alliances that transcend race, gender, and class. MonĂĄe’s work embodies this ethos, particularly in her collaboration with diverse artists and her calls for unity among marginalized communities. Songs like “Americans” highlight the intersections of different struggles, advocating for a future where differences are celebrated rather than erased.

In blending the theoretical with the personal, Haraway and MonĂĄe challenge us to envision futures where identity is not a source of division but a wellspring of creativity and strength. While Haraway provides the framework, MonĂĄe breathes life into it, creating a vivid, emotionally resonant exploration of what it means to resist conformity in a world that demands uniformity. Together, they remind us that the boundaries we draw—between human and machine, male and female, self and other—are not fixed but fluid, and in that fluidity lies the potential for radical transformation. To get a more in depth review of Monae’s album Dirty Computer, check out this link.