Author: Chelsea M.

Night bird by Muse, bp04

Chelsea M.
Reading Time: 3 minutes

If I had the opportunity to be a hybrid, I would embrace a form that reflects the delicate balance between nurturing and challenging, protecting and empowering. Imagine a life where the rhythm of the sun and moon dictates my transformation—a seamless shift between human and eagle. By day, I embody the empathy and connection of humanity, offering guidance and comfort like the warm embrace of a safe haven. By night, I ascend into the skies as an eagle, becoming a silent protector and wise motivator, watching over those I care for with unyielding vigilance. This duality wouldn’t just be a fantastical change of form; it would represent a journey of growth—a reflection of the stages of life itself, where strength is born from vulnerability, resilience is forged through challenge, and freedom is realized by taking flight.

     In the human form, my role is to provide comfort and guidance, much like an eagle lines her nest to shelter her eaglets. During the day, I offer a safe presence to those around me, using empathy and connection to foster a supportive environment. My human interactions are marked by the desire to nurture, ensuring that those I care for feel secure and understood. This stage reminds me of the gentle care that builds the foundation of growth, a reminder that true strength often begins in moments of vulnerability.

      At night I transform into an eagle, my role shifts from comfort to challenge. Just as a mother eagle removes the soft lining of the nest to encourage her young to stand on their own, my eagle form allows me to distance myself and observe, providing a perspective that encourages independence. I watch from above, ready to intervene if needed, but knowing that growth requires discomfort. This stage emphasizes the importance of resilience and the courage to step out of one’s comfort zone.

      In the eagle’s form, I urge those I care for to reach their potential. My presence is both a quiet encouragement and a reminder of the strength they carry within. I am there, hovering like the mother eagle who flaps her wings to push her eaglets out of the nest. This form of motivation, silent yet powerful, instills a sense of readiness, inspiring others to embrace the heights they’re meant to reach. As an eagle, I embody the call to action, urging others below to discover their wings.

      When moments of danger arise, my eagle form becomes a shield. Like the mother eagle that catches her young when they falter in flight, I stand ready to defend those who are not yet fully prepared to be independent. With heightened senses and physical agility, I can swiftly respond, ensuring that those under my care are safe. This protective instinct balances the push for growth with the assurance of security, showing that empowerment can coexist with guardianship.

      As dawn approaches and I return to human form, I witness the impact of this cyclical journey. Those I have nurtured, challenged, motivated, and protected are now capable of standing on their own, confident and resilient. My dual existence, shifting between human empathy by day and eagle vigilance by night, allows me to foster growth and security in equal measure. This hybrid transformation is a reminder that true guardianship is about empowering others to become self-sufficient, to find their own wings and take flight.

       In choosing the eagle as my hybrid form, I embrace a rhythm that honors both the nurturing and the fierce sides of this animal the comforting and the challenging. This duality reflects the complex nature of growth—requiring  shelter, discomfort, encouragement, protection, and ultimately, the freedom to soar. It is a journey that celebrates the strengths of both human compassion and eagle resilience, proving that to guide and protect, one must sometimes transform, rising above and learning from our environment, again and again.

BP04

Sugar scrollers , BP05

Chelsea M.
Reading Time: 3 minutes

SUGAR SCROLLERS

In the digital age, connection has become a commodity. Few understand this better than the leaders behind social media platforms. Companies like Instagram, TikTok, and X have built empires on algorithms designed not just to connect us, but to consume us. Every swipe, every like, every comment is a calculated act of seduction, pulling us deeper into a world where satisfaction is fleeting, and the next dopamine hit is just another scroll away.

You’ve felt it, haven’t you? The innocent urge to check your phone “for a minute” that stretches into hours. Social media doesn’t just invite us in; it ensnares us. These platforms exploit our psychology, turning curiosity into compulsion. It’s a subtle form of control that feels eerily similar to the “pill funders” in Machinehood, a novel where corporations create dependency on enhancement drugs. In our world, social media companies do the same, feeding our need for validation while trapping us in endless cycles of consumption.

Algorithms: Curating Reality, Shaping Identity

At first glance, social media algorithms seem harmless, even helpful, curating content that aligns with our interests and emotions. But here’s the cost: reality itself gets narrowed. The endless feed becomes a hall of mirrors, reflecting only what we already believe or crave. Over time, this isolation fosters echo chambers, distorting our perception of the world and deepening our feelings of loneliness.

For many, the curated feed becomes a constant comparison game. Everyone else seems happier, more successful, more fulfilled. This distorted reality feeds anxiety and depression, especially among young people. Studies show that prolonged social media use is linked to poor self-esteem and mental health. Just like Machinehood’s pill funders profit from reliance on enhancement drugs, social media platforms profit from our need for digital validation, exploiting our vulnerabilities to keep us scrolling.

The Mental Health Toll

The race for engagement has made mental health collateral damage. Platforms push “doomscrolling” content—negative news, polarizing debates, and sensationalized stories designed to trigger emotional reactions. It’s not a bug; it’s the system working as intended. The result? Chronic stress, mental fatigue, and a lingering sense of despair.

The “like” button, once a harmless novelty, has morphed into a reward-and-punishment system that shapes our behavior and self-worth. We’ve become reliant on digital applause for satisfaction, much like the characters in Machinehood depend on productivity drugs. But instead of feeling fulfilled, we’re left emptier, chasing the next fleeting hit of validation.

Today’s Pill Funders

In Machinehood, the pill funders create dependency under the guise of productivity and necessity. They control society by exploiting human vulnerabilities, selling solutions to problems they’ve manufactured. Swap pills for algorithms, and the parallel is striking. Social media platforms cultivate our dependency by exploiting our need for connection, belonging, and relevance.

We’re told to “engage” and “connect,” but in reality, we’re feeding the algorithm. Every click fuels the machine, and every second we spend scrolling lines the pockets of those who profit from our attention. We’ve become both the consumer and the product, trapped in a loop that’s as addictive as it is exhausting.

Breaking the Cycle

So how do we reclaim our lives? It starts with awareness and intentionality. Set boundaries. Turn off notifications. Curate your feed to prioritize content that uplifts rather than drains. Just as we’re mindful of what we eat, we need to be equally mindful of what we consume digitally.

Tech companies have a moral obligation to design platforms that prioritize well-being over profit, but waiting for them to act could take a lifetime. For now, the responsibility is ours. We must navigate these digital spaces with caution, understanding that algorithms are not built to fulfill us—they’re built to use us.

In a world where social media dominates, the power lies in our ability to pause, to question, and to choose. Much like the pill funders in Machinehood, social media companies exploit our vulnerabilities for profit. But unlike the characters in that dystopia, we still have a choice. We can look up, step away, and reclaim our lives—one mindful decision at a time.

Let’s make that choice. Let’s be more than consumers of endless feeds. Let’s be humans, present and intentional, in a world that needs us to look beyond the screen.

When world’s collide, BP03

Chelsea M.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Donna Haraway’s Cyborg Manifesto envisions a world where rigid boundaries—human versus machine, male versus female—are dismantled in favor of fluid, hybrid identities. This concept finds a striking parallel in Janelle Monáe’s Dirty Computer, which critiques societal norms by celebrating non-conformity, queerness, and individuality. Both works address the oppressive forces that constrain identity, offering pathways to liberation through hybridity and resistance.

Haraway’s cyborg, a metaphor for transcending binaries, finds new life in Monáe’s futuristic, dystopian narrative. In Dirty Computer, Monáe portrays herself as a “dirty computer”—a being targeted for erasure because of her refusal to conform. Through songs like “Make Me Feel,” Monáe rejects fixed labels, celebrating fluidity in sexuality and identity. Similarly, Haraway asserts that identity need not adhere to traditional binaries; instead, it thrives in intersections and multiplicities. Monáe’s defiance echoes this sentiment, blending elements of Black culture, queerness, and technological imagery to challenge norms that attempt to limit human expression.

This interplay between identity and oppression has deep roots in the works of Black authors like Octavia Butler, whose novels such as Kindred and Parable of the Sower explore how race, gender, and power intersect in dystopian settings. Butler’s exploration of adaptable, fluid identities aligns with Haraway’s vision of the cyborg. For example, Butler’s protagonists often survive by rejecting societal expectations and reshaping their identities to fit new, often hostile realities. These themes resonate in Monáe’s work, as she uses the lens of technology and queerness to critique structures that oppress marginalized communities.

In the context of America, where gender identity continues to spark political and cultural debates, works like Dirty Computer are vital. They confront the erasure of queer, non-binary, and Black identities and experiences, emphasizing the importance of a firmness in one’s self and building self intimacy in a society eager to impose categories and judgement. Monáe and Haraway, like Butler, advocate for a world where identities are not confined but celebrated in their complexity—a vision both radical and profoundly human.

Their combined artistic efforts created contemporary resistance, offering a blueprint for embracing intersectionality in the fight for acceptance in humanity.

human 2.0 : Balancing progress and principles

Chelsea M.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

As technology advances, human augmentation promises to redefine what it means to live, thrive, and adapt in a rapidly changing world. From wearable exoskeletons that amplify physical strength to neural implants enhancing memory and cognition, the potential for self-improvement offers unparalleled opportunities for personal and societal growth. However, these advancements compel us to reflect on the ethical and social responsibilities that must guide their development.

In our lifetime, augmentation may evolve in profound ways, enabling humans to surpass biological limitations. Neural interfaces could help individuals with neurological disorders regain mobility or even communicate telepathically. Advanced bioprinting might eliminate the scarcity of organ transplants, while sensory augmentation—allowing humans to detect new wavelengths of light or sound—could expand the limits of perception. These technologies offer incredible promise, but they must remain grounded in equitable access to prevent further societal divides. A future where only the privileged can afford such enhancements would exacerbate existing inequalities, making fairness a key ethical consideration.

Personally, I see potential in augmentations that enhance health and resilience while preserving individuality. For example, technologies that improve physical mobility, combat chronic illnesses, or counter cognitive decline represent practical, meaningful applications. I would also embrace tools for self-expression, such as augmented reality interfaces that allow users to create and interact in new dimensions. However, adaptations that sacrifice autonomy or impose surveillance—like implants that monitor or control thoughts and behaviors—would be unacceptable. The line must be drawn where technology threatens freedom and personal identity.

Human augmentation offers a hopeful vision when guided by ethical principles. By prioritizing equity, sustainability, and respect for individuality, we can create tools that empower humanity as a collective. These advancements, when used responsibly, have the potential to not only enhance human capabilities but also deepen our connections with one another—ushering in a future where technology is a bridge to greater understanding and shared prosperity.

The core of cyberpunk

Chelsea M.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Both Blade Runner (1982) and Neuromancer (1984) are seminal works of the cyberpunk genre, celebrated not only for their aesthetic but also for their deep exploration of societal decay, individual identity, and the consequences of unbridled technological advancement. By intertwining themes of urban sprawl and corporate dominance with human struggles for freedom, both works serve as profound critiques of the technological future.

In Blade Runner, Ridley Scott explores humanity’s relationship with artificial beings—replicants—raising questions about what it means to be human. The replicants’ rebellion against their pre-programmed lifespans highlights the ethical dilemma of creating life that is both sentient and disposable. The world of Blade Runner, with its polluted skies and overcrowded streets, reflects the cost of corporate greed. The Tyrell Corporation’s motto, “More Human Than Human,” reveals the ultimate irony: technological progress, meant to improve humanity, has instead commodified and dehumanized it. This dystopia is not just visual but moral, where the ethical boundaries of artificial intelligence are routinely crossed.

Similarly, William Gibson’s Neuromancer delves into the digital frontier of cyberspace, where the line between human consciousness and artificial intelligence is blurred. Case, the novel’s protagonist, navigates a world dominated by corporate entities, whose control extends into the digital realm, dictating the lives of individuals both online and offline. The artificial intelligence Wintermute, central to the story, underscores the tensions between autonomy and control, illustrating the dangers of creating systems that outgrow human oversight. Beyond its digital innovations, Neuromancer interrogates the human cost of these advancements, with characters like Molly, a cyborg enforcer, embodying the physical and psychological toll of technological enhancement.

Both works move beyond their dystopian visuals to critique the larger systems of power and control. The cities of Blade Runner and Neuromancer symbolize more than physical decay; they are reflections of a world where corporations dominate, technology perpetuates inequality, and individuals struggle to maintain agency in an increasingly dehumanized society. Together, these texts warn of a future where progress prioritizes profit over people, challenging readers to reconsider the ethical limits of technological innovation.

The Deterioration of Self-Intimacy & Mystery: A Conversation on Modesty and Better Reason Why We Should Embrace it

Chelsea M.
Reading Time: 4 minutes

Modesty is a term that often sparks intense reactions. For some, it’s a trigger word that stirs defensiveness, prompting them to avoid defining it and instead express frustration or rejection of times when someone has made us feel small. Modesty, as defined by the Cambridge dictionary, is the quality of not talking about or not trying to make people notice your abilities and achievements. But most commonly, it is an old-fashioned term that describes—the quality, in women, of dressing or behaving in a way that is intended to avoid attracting sexual interest. Traditionally, modesty and privacy have been seen as cornerstones of personal dignity, guiding how we navigate through society. These concepts have long been upheld by societal norms, creating boundaries that distinguish what is acceptable in public versus private spaces. However, we are now witnessing a cultural revolution that is rapidly dissolving these boundaries, leading to an erosion of privacy as we once knew it.

In this revolution, the lines between public and private are no longer clear-cut. Social media platforms encourage us to share more, to expose more, to live more openly—often blurring the distinction between what should remain personal and what is okay in the hands of the public. As these boundaries shift, so too does our understanding of modesty—and the prioritization of our autonomy. But definitively how is our autonomy actualized? What does owning our bodies look like? How does it vary? It is no longer simply about how we dress or behave but about how much of ourselves we are willing to share with the world. I think that our task should be to express ourselves while feeding our spirit rather than just our egos when we decide to share.

This transformation forces us to confront challenging questions: Is this erosion of privacy a step forward in embracing authenticity, or are we sacrificing something essential in the process? Are we becoming more “liberated”, or are we merely conforming to new societal pressures that demand constant exposure and instant gratification?o As we push these boundaries, the very nature of modesty is being tested—whether for better or worse, only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the conversation around modesty and privacy is far from over, and its implications will continue to shape the way we live in the digital age.

In a world increasingly obsessed with visibility, intimacy and mystery have become casualties of our desire to be seen, heard, and validated. The quiet moments, the unspoken thoughts, and the parts of ourselves that once thrived in privacy are now laid bare for public consumption. But what have we lost in this trade-off?

This conversation becomes even more critical when we consider the impact of adultification bias on young girls. Adultification bias refers to the tendency to perceive children, particularly Black and Brown girls, as older and more mature than they actually are, which often results in them being held to adult standards of behavior and responsibility. This bias strips young girls of their innocence and places undue pressure on them to conform to societal expectations of maturity, often at the expense of their well-being and safety.

In a world where visibility is increasingly equated with value, young girls are often encouraged—directly or indirectly—to present themselves in ways that align with adult norms, even when they are not emotionally or mentally prepared to do so. Social media and pop culture contribute to this by glorifying a certain image of maturity and success, one that often emphasizes physical appearance and public exposure over personal development and private reflection.

Inspiring young girls requires us to challenge the narratives that equate visibility with worth. It is crucial to teach them that their value is not determined by how much of themselves they reveal to the world, but by how they feel about themselves when the world is not watching. This is where modesty, in its truest sense, becomes empowering—it offers girls the freedom to choose what they share and what they keep for themselves, fostering a sense of control and self-respect.

Modesty should not be seen as a restriction or a form of repression, but rather as a form of autonomy. It’s about reclaiming the power to decide how, when, and with whom to share aspects of oneself. For young girls, this means understanding that it is okay to crave privacy, to set boundaries, and to protect their personal space in a culture that often demands constant exposure.

For women and girls, the challenge is to find a balance between modesty and visibility that does not compromise their safety or self-worth. This balance can be taught by redefining success, promoting body autonomy, challenging adultification bias, and creating safe spaces where girls can express themselves without fear of judgment or exploitation.

Ultimately, we must teach young girls and women that it is okay to crave modesty just as much as visibility. The two are not mutually exclusive but are both essential to a healthy sense of self. In a society that often pushes for more exposure, the ability to choose modesty is a powerful form of resistance and self-care. By embracing this duality, we can inspire a new generation of women who are confident, autonomous, and unafraid to define their own boundaries.

As we continue to navigate this boundary-less world, we must ask ourselves: Are we truly more connected, or have we simply become more exposed? And in this exposure, what are we sacrificing in the name of progress? The answers may shape not only our digital identities but the very essence of our personal and collective experiences. In this relentless push for visibility, we must consider the lasting impact on our sense of self and the future we are building for the next generation.