Author: Liyah G.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

With human enhancement at its core, technology is changing at an incredible rate. Brain implants, genetic alterations, and bionic limbs—things that previously seemed like science fiction—are becoming a reality. These developments, in my opinion, will go beyond merely solving issues and instead open up new possibilities for humankind. The notion of becoming “more than human” is no longer an unrealistic fantasy; it is a decision we may all have to face.

https://www.dreamstime.com/illustration/breaking-limits.html

Imagine wearable neurotechnology that can assist you control your emotions, such as reducing anxiety or improving concentration when needed. It could impact how we handle stress, our mental well-being, and our level of productivity. Or consider having microscopic nanobots in your bloodstream that can identify diseases before they even manifest, extending your period of life. In addition to making life easier, these developments would increase resilience and adaptability. Improvements like these, which promote wellbeing and broaden our capabilities without changing who we are at our core, seem like opportunities worth pursuing in my opinion.

However, not all options are as desirable. Imagine a society in where companies sell pricey genetic enhancements to increase a person’s strength, speed, or intelligence. Would people who couldn’t afford it be left behind? And when we start altering who we are to meet some standard of perfection, what happens to diversity? I’m also concerned about the prospect of being too closely entwined with technology, such as substituting AI processors for a portion of our brains. At what point does it stop? 

What interests me the most about human enhancement is its ability to improve people’s lives while remaining true to themselves. The issue will be determining when to say yes—and when to say no. As these technologies become more widely available, I believe we will all be forced to consider what it means to be human. After all, just because something is possible does not automatically imply that it should be done.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/what-life-without-limits-dion-davis/?trk=portfolio_article-card_title

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A gloomy image of corporate dominance is portrayed in Blade Runner by the Tyrell Corporation, where scientific advancements—specifically, the development of replicants—are exploited for financial gain with no regard for morality or human dignity. Replicants, artificially created creatures with brief lifespans, are used as throwaway tools and abused for labor. Tyrell, their creator, is a living example of how businesses have unlimited power to influence not only markets but also human existence. Are we on the verge of a future similar to Tyrell’s if we examine the corporate scene today? Or is Blade Runner merely a dramatic critique on the dangers of corporate power and technology?

There are some alarming similarities between the Tyrell Corporation’s unlimited power and the emergence of giant tech companies like Amazon, Google, and Facebook. Consider Amazon. The business tracks customer behavior, streamlines logistics, and even keeps an eye on its staff using advanced algorithms and artificial intelligence. The company’s surveillance methods, which follow employees’ every step, have provoked discussions about privacy and labor rights, and warehouse workers have complained of harsh working conditions with little consideration for their physical or mental health. This is a reflection of the Tyrell Corporation’s dehumanizing practices, which prioritize profit over the well-being of people.

World’s Largest Companies In 2024

The expanding impact of genetic engineering and biotechnology serves as another illustration. Businesses developing gene-editing technologies, such as CRISPR, are expanding the realm of human DNA modification possibilities. Although medical therapies have received most of the attention, similar technologies could also be utilized for non-medical objectives, such genetic improvement. Similar to the moral questions Tyrell’s inventions raise, the ethical ramifications might become more complex in a society where private corporations dominate these developments.

Is this, then, a realistic future forecast? Yes, in certain respects. Large businesses are already having a greater impact on politics, economy, and individual lives than in the past. Significant concerns regarding privacy, labor, and the moral application of technology are brought up by the quick speed of technical development and the growing influence of AI in daily life. Even though a Blade Runner style dystopia is not currently soon to come, we nonetheless need to be mindful of the possible repercussions of unconstrained corporate dominance. Even if Blade Runner presents an overly optimistic picture of the future, the issues it brings up are important to think about as we go on.

https://theconversation.com/who-is-more-powerful-states-or-corporations-99616

Reading Time: 2 minutes

Imagine living in a world where we are able to combine the greatest qualities of two different animals to create completely new creatures. Combining a human and a dolphin would be my choice if I could create an animal hybrid. You ask, why a dolphin? Dolphins are well known for their social structures, intellect, and playful disposition. They exhibit a depth of feeling and sophisticated communication that speaks to our own humanity.

https://www.msaquarium.org/p/animals/animal-guide/bottlenose-dolphins

Let’s now examine this hybridization’s potential manifestation in more detail. Imagine a creature with the mental and emotional sophistication of a human, but with the smooth, streamlined physique of a dolphin, best suited to live in the ocean. This hybrid could speak to both humans and dolphins and move gracefully over the oceans, studying underwater ecosystems. Consider the potential: a creature that could cross species boundaries and promote a closer bond and understanding between people and marine life.

In terms of how far I’d want this hybridization to extend, I see a creature that preserves important facets of our emotional and cognitive abilities. This hybrid would be more than just a dolphin with human characteristics; it would be a brand-new being with empathy, creativity, and possibly even a kind of consciousness that enables it to recognize the beauty in its environment. I wouldn’t want it to be completely human, though, because it should still be able to survive in the ocean with dolphin-like swimming and talents.

As for how much of my humanity I’d be willing to give up in this endeavor, it’s a thought-provoking question. It’s a question that makes me think about how much of my humanity I’d be ready to sacrifice for this cause. The capacity to breathe underwater and dolphins’ echolocation are two examples of sensory experiences that I would gladly give up. But my ability to think, feel, and create is what I would like to retain. A harmonic fusion of the two worlds would be the aim, enhancing our knowledge of the ocean while preserving the core of the human experience.

Ultimately, this hybridization aims to solve the secrets of the ocean and promote a closer bond with nature rather than merely producing a new species. A dolphin-human hybrid might be a beacon of hope during a period when humans have a significant negative influence on marine life, reminding us of the interdependence of all living things and motivating us to preserve the planet’s priceless ecosystems.

https://www.freepik.com/premium-ai-image/dolphin-human-animal-hybrid-dark-background-illustration_135717779.htm