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based on what we are faced with in today’s world, and having the thought behind our heads that cyberpunk expresses this unpublished society.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. 

The Boundary Between AI and Humans

Lauren B.
Reading Time: 3 minutes

The boundary between human and non-human entities has significantly blurred in the past five years, particularly due to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics. AI’s capabilities have expanded beyond simple tasks to those requiring more sophisticated, human-like decision-making and interaction. According to NDTV, “Artificial Intelligence (AI) makes it possible for machines to learn from experience, adjust to new inputs, and perform human-like tasks.” This progression has transformed AI from a behind-the-scenes technology into an active participant in human culture, creativity, and social media.

Furthermore, AI has moved from the realm of speculative fiction to a commonplace technology impacting various industries. As noted by Forbes, “AI has become a conversation topic at the dinner table, an emerging technology as inspiring as it is frightening, and created a very real question: What now?” This highlights how AI has evolved from a futuristic concept to a present reality, influencing sectors from marketing to healthcare (Foodman, 2024). Today, chatbots enhanced by generative AI are becoming so reliable and human-like that it is challenging to differentiate them from real humans, a clear sign of the collapsing boundaries between human and machine intelligence (Foodman, 2024).

The boundary shift is most evident in AI’s integration into everyday social and cultural environments. Virtual influencers collaborate with real-world brands, celebrities, and audiences, influencing trends and opinions. AI’s evolution now allows it to “converse with users and offer solutions to their problems,” as highlighted by NDTV, further demonstrating its deepening role in human society. Advances in AI are enabling researchers to sift through enormous amounts of data to understand everything from galaxies to developing vaccines, which were critical during the COVID-19 pandemic. These advancements, as described by Forbes, illustrate the immense impact of AI in the modern world.

The drivers behind this shift are both technological and cultural. Technologically, advancements in AI have led to more sophisticated machine learning models that can process vast amounts of data and recognize complex patterns, making them more adaptable and capable of learning in human-like ways. Significant investments from tech giants and growing public interest have spurred this rapid development. As NDTV notes, AI “can be used to develop new drugs, optimize global supply chains, and create exciting new art,” which illustrates its expanding capabilities across various sectors. Cultural openness to AI’s integration has also grown, particularly among younger generations who are more accepting of digital and virtual experiences.

However, the integration of AI into human environments does come with risks. AI technologies “have at times resulted in what scientists call ‘hallucination,’ which means the AI created entirely different information than the correct factual information,” as Forbes explains. This unpredictability, combined with the possibility of AI generating misleading or incorrect data, raises concerns about the ethical and practical implications of AI in decision-making roles (Foodman, 2024). Furthermore, the increasing use of AI “raises concerns about heightened job loss, widespread disinformation, and loss of privacy,” as NDTV points out, suggesting that the benefits of AI should be carefully balanced with its potential dangers.

The collapsing boundary between human and non-human due to AI advancements presents both opportunities and challenges. As AI grows more sophisticated, we must navigate the ethical, social, and practical implications of sharing our world with intelligent machines. The convergence of AI with other technologies like quantum computing could further blur these boundaries, fundamentally changing how we interact with computers and machines, necessitating a thorough understanding and cautious approach to ensure AI is used positively and predictably (Foodman, 2024).

Works Cited

Foodman, J. (2024, August 13). Council post: Artificial Intelligence is changing the world and your business. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2023/07/24/artificial-intelligence-is-changing-the-world-and-your-business/

Sukheja, B. (2024, June 1). What is AI, why it matters, and how it’s changing the world? everything to know. NDTV.com. https://www.ndtv.com/feature/what-is-ai-why-it-matters-and-how-its-changing-the-world-everything-to-know-5794869 

Shifting boundaries

Brooke J.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

One specific example of an established boundary that has begun to shift is the distinction between genders. This is a boundary that most of my elders did not expect to change, but gender labels have become ambiguous and a very sensitive topic. The once established boundary between men and women identifying as cisgender, has gained many more labels including transgender, agender, and nonbinary. 

Although the gender identity boundary has shifted way further back than 5 years ago, being only in my early 20s, I hadn’t become familiar with this shift up until the last 5 years or so. People are openly expressing new gender identities that are much more fluid and inclusive, as opposed to the binary man and woman genders.

As far as what prompted this change, I believe that it can be accredited to the progressiveness of generation Z and the Millennials. Older generations are accustomed to more traditional states of mind and find it harder to adjust to new ways of living. This change has also come about through more media representation, legal advancements, and advocacy of members of the LGBTQ+ community. 

The fluidity of gender has been demonstrated on television, in literature, and in art. This has normalized the broad definition of gender. Legal advancements have supported the shift of gender identity, giving different gender identities the opportunity to be represented under labels under the standard male or female. Lastly, activism has contributed to the shift of gender identity gaining otherwise unattainable visibility to those who identify other than male or female. 

In conclusion, the distinction between genders is an established boundary that has shifted. The differentiations have expanded further than male and female. This shift is owed to the progressive newer generations with their media influence, legal advancements, and their advocacy. With these contributions to the shift, I would not be surprised if shifting any further. 

Engaging the disengaged

Taylor W.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Art from an WSJ article ‘Can we Save Our children from Smartphones’ depicting children’s attachment to their devices
https://www.wsj.com/articles/can-we-save-our-children-from-smartphones-03eaf449

Boundaries shift based on your life experience. I believe for every season of your life there is something new and different that you modify about yourself. You as a person are constantly evolving. In my generation technology plays a huge role. I recall being in Kindergarten having to take a computer course that taught me how to type and the fundamentals of a computer. For instance, how to use all of the different Pc applications. 

One example of an establish boundary that I’ve shifted towards is my boundary with technology as a whole. These days, you can almost find out everything about someone based on their social media presence. I don’t want to be that “one stereotypical person” but in all honesty I feel like the internet has done irreparable damage to my generation. I feel like its too pervasive.

I was prompted to make this change based on being in Quarantine. At a time where my anxiety was at an all time high and I spent my days endlessly scrolling on the interweb. I thought how can I be more productive? As corny as it seems I went on a walk, in an effort to break from my constant immersion in technology. On this walk I decided to not take my earbuds and just walk listening to nature. My earbuds are like my emotional support crutches. They force me into an imaginary bubble. I hated how anti-social I had became. During the walk in my suburban dallas neighborhood I saw the usual things like trees, grass, and birds. But I also noticed something,  a stark contrast. As I was walking I came across people my age and some older people. Most of the people my age were out walking their pets with their faces were glued to their phones. They might have looked up occasionally to check their path/walk across the street. And the older people were way more engaged “living in the moment” and even spoke greetings. From then on I made the decision to live my life more “engaged”. While technology has it benefits, I realized that the overuse can be disengaging.

Blurred Ethical Lines

Kendall B.
Reading Time: 2 minutes
How Period-Tracking Apps Are Monetizing Women's Extremely Personal Data - Bloomberg
How Period-Tracking Apps Are Monetizing Women’s Extremely Personal Data – Bloomberg

Many established boundaries have begun to switch when it comes to the subgenre cyberpunk. In particular, the ethical lines have been blurred when it comes to the enhanced technology that is invading our lives, especially our private and personal lives. Recently women have found out that some of the apps on our phone are receiving data from our inputs and then in some circumstances selling our information. These apps unfortunately are the center of attention for a whole entire week during the month and sometimes even more frequently. Most women have probably already come to the conclusion that these applications that I am talking about are period tracking apps. For those seven days during the month, sometimes less or more, women enter their personal data into these systems and algorithms that are built to gather and contain sensitive information. Everybody is already privy to the fact that the terms and guidelines that we are forced to sign when downloading and running apps are extremely hefty and long. Within these numerous pages of legal jargon it explains how the information that is inputted can and will be sold for analytics and/or profit. This then intertwines with the overturning of roe v wade which may be new information for some. Abortion is now illegal in many states and restricted for some. This means that if a woman needs an abortion for personal reasons or because of an emergency they are out of luck and might have to travel state lines to receive proper care. By looking at specific statistics within these aforementioned apps it is clear that there is a bigger picture being painted. Their system will allow employees and companies to see who has had an abortion, and if warranted then they could probably find out in what state the user lives. If the state happens to be pro-life then the user could get punished harshly for such actions. These apps are disguised as harmless, but in reality the minute act of entering one’s period flow can lead to serious and life-altering jail time. Technology continues to invade our personal lives and lines will forever be blurred if boundaries are not set in place to protect us and our privacy.

AI or human thought?

Juleette A.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

According to evolution, humans are becoming increasingly smarter and better able to tackle complicated problems. The human mind has persisted in questioning outdated beliefs and pushing the boundaries of what is considered impossible. AI, or Artificial Intelligence, is a significant invention of human intelligence. AI was once seen as simply a tool for human work. Recently, the rules of the game have shifted. The line between human and non-human characteristics is becoming less distinct, and artificial intelligence is playing a key role in this transformation.

AI is no longer just operating in the background; it is now taking on tasks that were previously exclusive to humans. Consider this—virtual assistants such as Siri or Alexa, AI algorithms selecting our Netflix suggestions, and AI powering our vehicles. We used to view these duties as exclusive to humans. Now, machines are performing those tasks, and at times, they are doing them more effectively than we could have envisioned. The distinction between humans and machines is becoming increasingly blurred, causing us to reconsider the very definition of being human.

Over the last five years, AI has transformed from a fun gadget to an essential aspect of our everyday lives. AI is now being discussed by a wider audience beyond just tech enthusiasts. AI is employed for communicating with customer service, identifying medical conditions, and producing artwork. Our interaction with the world is evolving as AI becomes increasingly similar to us, or perhaps we are growing more similar to AI. This change is making us ponder the line between human intelligence and artificial intelligence. The previous guidelines no longer appear relevant, which is both thrilling and somewhat unnerving.

The shift is due to a combination of fast technological progress and societal shifts. Machine learning has become more intelligent, computers have become quicker, and there is now more data available. These factors have all come together to bring AI to the forefront. However, improvements in technology are not the only factor that drives this demand for more; people also desire greater convenience, efficiency, and solutions for complex issues. In a fast-paced world, AI provides a means to stay current, perhaps even take the lead. That is why we observe the line between human and non-human beginning to break down. In the futuristic world of cyberpunk, the blurred boundaries between humans and technology make the increasing presence of AI in our daily lives seem like a peek into tomorrow. The boundary is constantly changing, and we are still unsure of its ultimate destination. One thing is certain: the discussion on the essence of humanity has just started.

Artificial Reality

Damon S.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

A significant boundary that has shifted in the past five years, is the boundary between the digital and physical realities, particularly through the rise of the metaverse and virtual reality technology. There was a time before where the physical world was separate from the digital world and people interacted with one another in real life. The only source of technological interactions were limited to screens and traditional media like the news. However, with the advancement of high-technologies like virtual reality, augmented reality, and the metaverse, this boundary is blurred. The metaverse is a virtual shared space, merging physical reality with virtual spaces. Companies like Facebook’s and Instagram’s, Meta, are investing in creating virtual worlds where people can interact, work, and socialize as digital avatars, making the digital world feel just as real as the real one. This shift is notable because it is not just about entertainment but it is  reshaping how we work, socialize, and even our understanding of presence and identity. Several factors have driven this shift such as the COVID-19 pandemic with its accelerated  adoption of remote work and online interactions, highlighting the need for more immersive digital environments to replace physical presence. Technological advancements in todays’ society have made these experiences more accessible and realistic. Additionally, cultural shifts towards digital-first lifestyles, driven by Generation Z, have increased demand for more immersive and integrated digital spaces. This shift has extensive implications, not just for how we interact but also for how we perceive identity, privacy, and even reality itself, as the lines between our physical and digital selves become increasingly intertwined. The article listed below is a great read for those who have an interest and want to learn more about the above topic.

The Metaverse: What It Is, Where to Find it, and Who Will Build It: https://www.wired.com/story/what-is-the-metaverse/

“Artificial Intelligence – Resembling Human Brain” by deepakiqlect is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

From Binary to Spectrum: A Look at how Gen Z Pushed Gender Boundaries

Jayla R.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

The past decade has elicited monumental changes in gender and how it is perceived. Progressive attitudes towards gender and sexuality are more prevalent now than ever before. As the title of this post suggests, it was widely believed that gender was only a binary construct as opposed to the spectrum we use today. In addition to cisgender, there is transgender, nonbinary, agender, genderfluid, and even more ways for nonconforming individuals to identify with. The TIME Magazine article linked below explains how large the gap is between generations regarding views towards gender. In just 2021, Gen Z was the only generation in which a majority believed there are more than two genders and Gen Z is much more likely to identify as nonbinary or trans.

What I feel has prompted this massive shift in ideals is the maturation of the “most progressive generation” – Gen Z. Gen Z has proven that we won’t take everything we’ve been taught at face value, especially Gen Z women. Offensive rhetoric in the media that was formerly accepted is now called out and the people responsible are being held accountable. We have LGBTQ+ peers and family members, so seeing attempts by politicians to make them illegal and outlaw gay marriage leads to a greater drive towards social justice. We also have more access to technology and resources that reveal how much needs to be fixed in our government and we have the means to go out and speak against it.

While people who identify outside of the gender binary have always existed, it has only recently become common to identify as such. Queer kids are now less likely to be forced to conform to one gender or another and can choose to identify as whoever they please. While there is certainly much more progress to be made regarding this matter, the impact Gen Z has had on widespread acceptance of those who are different is something to be marveled at.

TIME Magazine article: https://time.com/6275663/generation-z-gender-identity

Blurred Lines Between Work and Personal Time

Katie H.
Reading Time: 2 minutes
Employee working remotely. (My Digital Work, n.d.)

In past years, there were distinct lines between work and personal time. Work time was considered paid time spent working, while personal time was the unpaid time spent not working. With the advancement of technology, work time has begun to mix with personal time. Employees would take off or be given personal days for sick days, personal emergencies, buildings not being able to be occupied, or natural disasters. Now, employees are expected to work remotely when they used to get a personal day or get time off (Utomi, 2023). Advancement of technology has blurred the lines between work and personal time in another way. For most careers, there is a set time to work and during that time employees are paid. Most work would be saved for the next work day if it was not done. Now if employees do not complete their work during work hours, then employees are expected to take their work home to complete it during their personal time without being paid for this extra time. With this advancement of technology, people do not have to meet in person to work. People can work remotely from across the world with others if they would like. The problem with this is time zone differences. People may have to work during their personal time in order to meet with others remotely. There has been a shift from working only during work hours to working during personal time due to the advancement of technology. (Side note: Some careers do not have distinct lines between work and personal time, but in recent years the shift I discussed above has been applied to careers that can have distinct lines between work and personal time.)

I think the COVID-19 pandemic has played a role in the blurring of lines between work and personal time. Throughout 2020 many jobs had to be completed remotely. Once employers and employees realized remote work is possible and can be done, the shift began. Now more than ever work is being completed remotely during personal time.

References:

Gaskell, A. (2020, May 11). Is A Blurred Work-Life Balance The New Normal? Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/adigaskell/2020/05/11/is-a-blurred-work-life-balance-the-new-normal/

My Digital Work. (n.d.). Retrieved August 28, 2024, from https://mydigitalwork.com/overnight-remote-jobs/. 

Utomi, T. (2023, August 21). Has remote work killed the sick day?. HRPA. https://www.hrpa.ca/hr-insights/has-remote-work-killed-the-sick-day/ 

Home, Office, or Both? Navigating the New Work-Life Boundary

Makeda M.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

In recent years, the boundary between human and machine has become increasingly porous, a shift that reflects not only technological advancements but also profound changes in our cultural and ethical landscapes. The line between work and home life has significantly blurred, reshaping how we live, work, and interact. This shift, accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, has had profound implications for society, both positive and negative, and raises important questions about the future of work. 

Woman smiling at laptop.

Before 2020, the boundary between work and home was relatively clear. Most people commuted to an office, factory, or other workplace, leaving work behind at the end of the day when they returned home. However, the pandemic forced millions to work from home, turning kitchens, living rooms, and bedrooms into makeshift offices. What was initially seen as a temporary measure has evolved into a long-term shift, with many companies adopting remote or hybrid work models permanently. This blurring of work and home boundaries has changed the way we think about productivity, work-life balance, and personal space. The physical separation that once existed between work and personal life has diminished, leading to new challenges such as “Zoom fatigue,” increased stress from always being “on,” and difficulty disconnecting from work. At the same time, remote work has provided benefits, including more flexibility, reduced commute times, and the ability to work from anywhere. The rise of remote work has transformed how we interact with our jobs and our colleagues. With the advent of video conferencing, digital collaboration tools, and cloud-based systems, employees can now perform their tasks from virtually anywhere. This shift has not only made work more flexible but has also redefined the work-life balance, merging personal and professional spaces in ways we’ve never seen before. The rise of digital communication tools like Zoom, Slack, and Microsoft Teams has made it easier to work from anywhere, breaking down the need for a physical office space. The availability of cloud computing and collaboration software has further supported this transition.

Different types of social messaging applications that have been popular over the years.

As the boundary between work and home continues to evolve, it will be important to find new ways to manage this shift, ensuring that the benefits of flexibility do not come at the cost of our well-being and personal lives. The future of work may be more fluid, but it will also require careful consideration of how we maintain balance in a world where the lines are increasingly blurred.