Author: Jazmine F.

Literally Redefining the blur in HUMANITY.

Jazmine F.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Human augmentation, related to science fiction, is becoming an increasingly plausible reality due to rapid advancements in biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and cyberpunk nature. Human augmentation is technologies that improve human capabilities. For example, prosthetics that are in a literal sense, a limb (arm or leg) can enhance cognitive functions. The future for human augmentation has huge potential and power to redefine what it means to be human. Reflecting on all the possibilities and challenges that may be faced with augmentation, I believe that within my lifetime, the lines between human and machine will be blurred significantly. Of course, this isn’t something that I would want. This type of change will raise ethical issues and changes within society. 

When considering what adaptations, I would personally embrace, practicality and ethical considerations play a key role in my life as I have to think beyond how this can be beneficial or not. I would be interested in augmentations that improve health or alleviate physical limitations. I am a person who doesn’t like to see people struggle, so personally I would like the idea of enhanced vision or the prevention of hereditary diseases. I wish there was a world where people didn’t get sick all the time and then suffer and sometimes die. So, if there were ways that this could be prevented, I would definitely advocate for it. I would also consider cognitive enhancements that promote mental clarity and focus. As said in the Weekly Warmup, how mental health awareness is something important that’s not often expressed enough. I think it should definitely be expressed and have enhancements; while not altering a human’s capability and identity; changing them to who they are not. The world would be a better place. Don’t you think? I believe that the adaptations will have the goal of maximizing human potential. 

On the other hand, I do believe that some forms of augmentation would be unacceptable to me. I think before augmentation should be considered there’s a need to openly discuss details on how this can be beneficial not only to one person but to many in a pleasant way. Any enhancements that risk deepening societal inequalities or creating new forms of discrimination would be unsettling. For example, luxury augmentations accessible only to the wealthy could exacerbate existing divides, which would only shine a light on the fact that the underprivileged deserve to be in the position that they are in. To add, I also feel that any adaptations that undermine individual autonomy in the fact that they allow external control over thoughts or actions would cross a critical ethical boundary. I say this because it reminds me of human and machine blur; the goal is to lessen that, not make it bigger. 

To conclude, the evolution of human augmentation during my lifetime will present transformative opportunities. While I am optimistic about advancements that enhance well-being in individuals I am still cautious about the things that can be compromised. As these technologies continue to advance, it’s extremely important that society comes together in thoughtful discussions to ensure that human augmentation serves the collective good. 

Interfering Humans and Machine: What Direction is AI?

Jazmine F.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

The genre of cyberpunk is a genre that explores the influences and advances of technology. This is done through the lens of a dystopian view and narrative of human vs AI (machine). The works such as Blade Runner, Neuromancer, and Machinehood illustrate how technological advancements contribute to corporate power, the barrier between ethical boundaries, and the exploitation of humanity for control and profit. How does the power of cyberpunk resonate with contemporary issues?


In Blade Runner, the corporation is responsible for manufacturing replicants, so important to be able to decipher between humans and replicants. This leaves a debate on technology and artificial intelligence. This relates to today because tech industries such as Google and Meta use artificial intelligence to reshape society’s potential. The ethical implications of technology are often put behind the scenes due to economic growth and the influences of AI on the personal things of humans. 


In Neuromancer, there’s like an exemplification of corporate greed and the dehumanization of individuals. The families with the power and wealthiness in which they are given the power to construct their lives and live the substantial life they perceive it to be; which makes splits in society because of what people have. Technology corporations that are as big as Amazon and Apple influence global economic and political decisions in everyday life. The wealth of these big advances creates a hierarchy. 


In Machinehood, the commodification of human labor and experience is expressed. The pill funders control the economy of human enhancement which ultimately creates a model where humans have to adapt to demands to be able to survive. 

The million-dollar question: Are Corporations Moving Toward a Cyberpunk Reality? The corporate-driven dystopias presented in the cyberpunk narratives do appear to be chilling as it is viewed through the lens of today. corporate landscape. A company like Amazon impacts aspects of daily life because it provides shopping and entertainment, etc. While this is a fact it is important to recognize the intensity of this movement. For example, in the Blade Runner, there seems to be a more ruthless control and it stands on a level of a controversial real-world application of AI. 


While the cyberpunk view is hyperbolic; it’s not completely divergent from reality. Cyberpunk incorporates real issues in reality within the corporation to serve as a warning in a sense. There is much emphasis on corporate that diverges into the ethical technology and economic views of the real world. Even though cyberpunk may seem extreme in its characteristics in the dystopian view; it has real-world issues that are grounded as a reminder to consider the possible impacts on society. 

In conclusion, I feel as if cyberpunk narratives provide a speculative but cautionary portrayal of corporate power and greed, which can be beneficial to the real world. These cautionary narratives reflect many concerns present in contemporary society. The stories urge us to consider how far we are willing to allow technology and corporations to influence our lives and at what cost will we allow them. By embracing both the warnings and the exaggerations of cyberpunk, society has the potential to prevent these fictional dystopias from becoming reality; in which we would need to act on now to prevent this from happening. 

Paws and Hands: Meow!

Jazmine F.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

If I had the opportunity to hybridize an animal, I would choose a cat. You may wonder why a meow? Cats are known for their independence and ability to use their heightened senses. Side note: I grew up around different animals my whole life, and I currently have six cats right now. Cats embody the perfect mix of moving effortlessly throughout the world. The qualities of a cat that resonate with me as a person are calm, relaxed, and curious.

I would love to have the ability to have a cat’s enhanced senses. My senses are ok. With a cat’s vision and sensitive hearing,I could accomplish so many things. I feel that I would have a better “eye” for my surroundings and be very cautious. Even with the cat’s hearing, I could sense movements from distances away. I think this would allow me to have a greater, deeper connection with the world.

If I had the chance, I would also be willing to have the reflexes that a cat has. Cats are so quick with their reactions. Imagine having the ability to be as fast as a cat. I think it’s cool how cats can land on their feet no matter what the fall may look like. Imagine you’re about to trip or fall, and you land on your hands and feet without damage. This would give me a sense of control over my body since I wouldn’t have to technically worry about hurting myself so often.

Although, having these features of a cat are useful and compatible; there are many human features I would love to maintain. For example, my emotions and relationships are powerful. I feel that I would still want to have the ability to express myself as a human can. Although cats are cool, I wouldn’t want to jeopardize my empathy and companionship as a human. Having the ability to communicate is such an important feature for me because I want to express myself; while being a cat, they don’t have the direct ability to talk using words, so I would find that difficult.

Overall, the blend of me with a cat gives me a deeper connection to the world and a sense of freedom while keeping my emotional intelligence as a human.

Complexed Identity: The Intersection of Haraway and MonĂĄe

Jazmine F.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Haraway’s cyborg work is explored in many ways in Janelle MonĂĄe’s album. Haraway’s work presents a radical way of thinking about identity and the boundaries of identity as fluid. Whereas, MonĂĄe’s album presents a dystopian environment where individuals face persecution of being non-conforming individuals. There’s a connection between these works in exploring identity and unfolding the complexity of gender and technology. Haraway argues that a cyborg is a blend of human and machine, which plays a major role in society today. For example, technology is evolving and constantly advancing how humans function, and technology is a tool that takes away from the responsibilities of humans. This leads us to wonder what it means to be a human? What is identity? Do we have to follow the social norms of identity?

MonĂĄe uses her music to create a situation that describes the themes of identity and oppression. She creates a future where those who challenge the societal norm are persecuted. The imagery and vision of the music reveals a society that will erase norms out of the framework, which relates to Hararway’s resistance within the system of oppression.

There is another vital alignment between the two works: they align with the embarking complexity of identities, which is important for liberation. Haraway’s manifesto discusses technology as a tool for liberation that allows for forming new identities that will eventually challenge traditional structures. In addition, MonĂĄe’s music uses futuristic themes and visuals to highlight the relationship between technology and identity. The control of MonĂĄe’s album goes back to how technology plays a role in society, but in this case how technology perpetuates oppression.

Both of these works challenge us to rethink the real understanding of identity and how technology plays a role in developing humans. MonĂĄe uses her music to create imagery that embodies the idea of Haraway’s cyborg and encourages the listeners/readers to celebrate and be true to themselves. Overall, we are challenged to think of a world that is constantly changing, especially with us: the things around us that influence us (technology).

The works create an inspiration to embrace the complexity of true norms and embrace the diversity that everyone has.

We are the future. We are artists. We paint our identity.

Defining Humanity: Exploring Identity in the Blade Runner and Neuromancer

Jazmine F.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Blade Runner focuses on what it means to be human through the depiction of the replicants, while the novel Neuromancer explores similar themes through the characters within their interactions with artificial intelligence and cyberspace. In the movie Blade Runner, the replicants are created so that they can be indistinguishable from humans. They have the advancements of humans as they express emotional and cognitive abilities, but as said in the film, they are created as slaves, and they have limited rights. Due to this, the audience is allowed to question what it truly means to be a human, whether it relates to what we can express as emotions or what rights we are given. Who knows? Roy is one of the replicants who seeks more life and freedom since he knows he will eventually die soon. His existence in the film focuses on his fight for survival. That moment underscores the emotional complexity of the replicants and challenges the audience to question humanity since he is indeed a replicant, that expresses very human-like qualities. The movie exhibits traits that define what a human is like, the ability to love and have fear, which leads the audience to question what humanity is defined as.

However, the novel Neuromancer dives into the themes of the depiction of artificial intelligence and the virtual world of cyberspace. An enlightened example of this is Wintermute, who is one of the AI’s. His interactions with Case highlight the complexity of AI consciousness in how AI can influence human actions. The desires of Wintermute correlate with the desire and growth of what it means to be a being. Cyberspace is a virtual realm where consciousness can interface with the digital world, blurring boundaries. Case, for example, navigates this cyberspace, eventually questioning reality and self. This relates to Blade Runner because digital and physical realms impact one’s sense of self.

Overall, the movie and novel use the advantage of technology and artificial entities to lead to the question of what it means to be a human and of human existence.

A Redefined Reality

Jazmine F.
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Figure 1
Figure 1: “After all, we are all human beings, and not creatures of infinite possibilities.” By Robertson Davies

The collapse of the boundaries between human and nonhuman (digital) identities is one of the major ways that we can see the world take a cyberpunk standpoint. The cyberpunk genre exposes the audience to an adventurous aesthetic vision of the future. The boundary between the distinction of human and non-human (AI). Over the years, we have been exposed to a new form of advanced technology that can potentially take over the world in some circumstances. Technology has the ability to keep growing with the help of society and humans itself. The rise of technology has empowered people to explore the different aspects of what technology can bring to the environment. Technology influences are pleasant to have for certain terms but for the distinction of a human versus a “replicant,” society is failing in its use of advanced technology. Furthermore, the constant technological advancements have allowed for this change to accelerate over time. The advantages that AI has to offer will constantly lead people in because AI can do things for people that’ll take away the extra duty or stress. 

Something that has affected everyone and pushed them towards a more digital face is, COVID-19. The virus put the world on lockdown, and people were technically forced to stay inside and be stuck on their digital devices to find entertainment. In addition, the lockdown forced social distancing, so people weren’t as interactive with the real society; this led to an increase in the digital/non-human world. 

This leaves wondering questions. “Will we need to prove that we are human in the future?” “What does this actually mean for the future? Will robots eventually take over?” These questions are not only questions. They are scientific uncertainties based on what we are faced with in today’s world, and having the thought behind our heads that cyberpunk expresses this unpublished society. 

The photo that contains the quote, ” After all, we are human beings and not creatures of infinite possibilities.” This quote stands out in the fact it differentiiates the human from a non human aspects, like artificial intelligence and AI. It undermines the fact that although there are technology advancements, humans remain limited; humans will always be distinct from a non-human entity.

We look forward to the future every day and the future is always ahead of us, but it is something that we are creating everyday, with one technology advantage at a time.Â