What does it mean to be Human?

Brooke J.
Reading Time: < 1 minute

In this blog post, I will be analyzing how “Blade Runner” questions what it means to be human through its depiction of replicants, while Neuromancer explores similar themes through its characters’ interactions with artificial intelligences and cyberspace. The Replicants in Blade Runner question what it means to be human through their anthropocentric mindset. Their bioengineered make combined with all of their human characteristics blur the lines between human and machine. For example, these lab constructed individuals show characteristics such as love, fear, grief, self reflection and awareness, as well as intelligence. Although they are not fully human, all of the traits that they can still produce may make the viewers of this film question whether these traits are fully associated with being human, or could just be constructed. In Neuromancer, true humanity is lost through elements such as cyberspace and artificial intelligence. Their virtual reality distorts people’s perception of self, as people are no longer able to recognize what is natural and what is a result of technology. In addition, surveillance technology in their society takes away people’s sense of autonomy, as well as their privacy, as their every move is made available to those behind these technological advancements. In conclusion, both Blade Runner and Neuromancer have numerous elements that make viewers and readers question what it means to be human, from the creation of replicants to the advanced surveillance technology.

Neon lights

Taylor W.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

The cyberpunk genre is defined by its blend of high-tech elements and a focus on urban and societal decay, merging aspects of noir with dystopian technology to create a distinctive aesthetic. This interplay between advanced technology and a deteriorating environment is vividly portrayed in both Blade Runner and Neuromancer. Each work depicts dystopian cities illuminated by neon lights, where high-tech innovations coexist with low-life conditions, raising questions about the impact of technological advancement on society.

In Blade Runner, the city is portrayed as an advanced, densely packed metropolis. Its skyline is a maze of towering skyscrapers, neon lights, and advertisements juxtaposed with crumbling buildings. This stark contrast highlights the disparity between technological progress and the deteriorating human conditions. The luxurious headquarters of the Tyrell Corporation, for example, stands in sharp relief against the rundown streets where replicants and humans struggle to survive. The main character Deckard, is tasked with hunting down rogue replicants using advanced technology, which serves to enforce control in a world where ordinary people continue to face bleak, challenging lives.

Similarly, Neuromancer presents Chiba City as a gritty, neon-lit metropolis characterized by its towering concrete structures. This depiction underscores the advanced technology embedded within the city while simultaneously reflecting the harsh reality experienced by its inhabitants. The novel contrasts this with the Matrix, a vast digital environment representing the pinnacle of human technological achievement. In the Matrix, technological sophistication is contrasted with the physical world’s poverty and chaos. The protagonist, Case, navigates this high-tech realm while grappling with his own survival in the marginalized, crime-ridden Sprawl, further emphasizing the genre’s exploration of technological contrasts and societal issues.

Through these depictions both Blade runner and Neuromancer explore th impact of technological advancement on society. These texts offer an eye opening perspective on how technological progress can create new challenges for individuals in these dystopian worlds.

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.

Blade Runner and Neuromancer

Kaydra R.
Reading Time: < 1 minute

Both the “ Blade Runner “ and  “Neuromancer “ explore cyberpunk by depicting the dystopian cities’ neon lights and the high tech look known to the genre. Both the novel and the movie show viewers scenarios in which huge social and environmental problems both exist with technology breakthroughs. They represent a world with advances in technology that constantly make dishonesty worse. Both show a high level of technology compared to some social situations that show the vibe of cyberpunk as  new technology and social atmosphere. The movie titled “ Blade Runner “ is well known for its showing of a futuristic world with neon lights and lots of screens.Huge skyscrapers, shadowy lanes, and tons of upgraded airplanes highlight the city’s atmosphere of high technology. The movie uses futuristic environments with characteristics like huge shows of technology. In the novel “ Neuromancer “, another futuristic technology based spreading cityscape. Similar to the movie, the writer sets lights and a big scenery. The universe of the novel is one of digital interfaces, neon lights, and a blend of wealthy and run-down neighborhoods. While on one hand Neuromancer shows the effects of technology on human experience and the nature of reality, Blade Runner mainly focuses on the visual efforts between news technology and their effects on society. The novel as well as the movie address particular concepts pertaining to technology, identity, and society through their own ideas of dystopian cities.

What is a Human? An Exploration of Identity

Devin P.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Both Blade Runner (1982) and Neuromancer (1984) dive into the central question of what it means to be human, but their approaches differ. They view the question through different perspectives: one through replicants, and the other through artificial intelligence. Each work stands as a monument of the cyberpunk genre, both examining human identity in a world where the line between human and machine grows increasingly blurred.

Replicants are bioengineered creatures made to serve humans in Blade Runner; they are frequently viewed as disposable tools. Nevertheless, they have memories, feelings, and desires, which raises the fundamental question: are replicants people, or are they just machines that replicate human behavior? Roy Batty is a perfect example of this dilemma. Despite being pursued, he shows compassion in his last moments by saving Deckard’s life. His well-known monologue about lost experiences, “I’ve seen things you people wouldn’t believe,” delves deeply into his own life and forces the audience to reevaluate what it means to be human. The replicants shown in Blade Runner urge viewers to consider whether humanity is more defined by mind and experience than by biology.

Through its depiction of cyberspace and artificial intelligences (AIs), Neuromancer delves into this theme. The protagonist, Case, is a broke console cowboy (hacker) who explores his own identity while navigating both virtual and real-world surroundings. His interactions with the AI Wintermute, which seeks to combine with Neuromancer to transcend its current limitations, highlight how malleable awareness and intelligence are in the digital age. As AIs demonstrate decision-making abilities and desires, the lines separating humans and machines become increasingly hazy. The issue of identity is further complicated in Neuromancer by the matrix, or cyberspace, which offers a virtual environment in which human consciousness can exist apart from the physical form.

Both pieces of cyberpunk media explore how technology reshapes human identity. Whether through the replicants of Blade Runner, or through the AIs of Neuromancer, both works suggest that flesh and blood alone cannot define humanity. They argue, however, that what is truly essential to humanity is one’s capacity for autonomy, thought, and emotion—qualities that technology is beginning to emulate flawlessly.

Is it Human or is it AI?

Jacob S.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Shifting Boundary: Human and Artificial Intelligence

One of the most significant boundary shifts in recent years has been the blurring line between human and artificial intelligence, particularly in the realm of content creation and conversation.

What has changed:

In the past five years, there have been remarkable advancements in AI language models and generative AI. These technologies have begun to produce content – including text, images, and even code – that is increasingly difficult to distinguish from human-created work. An example of this is the development and public release of large language models like GPT-3 and the ones that have come after it. These AI’s can engage in human-like conversations, write coherent articles, create art, and even assist in coding tasks.

In 2022, an AI-generated artwork won a fine arts competition at the Colorado State Fair, sparking debates about the nature of creativity and authorship. This event highlighted how the boundary between human and AI-generated content is becoming increasingly blurred. You can read more about this specific incident in this article from The New York Times: “An A.I.-Generated Picture Won an Art Prize. Artists Aren’t Happy.” Another example is the use of AI in film and television production. In 2023, the film “The Creator” utilized AI to generate entire scenes and characters, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in visual effects and storytelling. This represents a significant shift from traditional CGI and practical effects, again blurring the line between human and AI-generated content in cinema.

What has prompted this change?

There are several factors have contributed to this shift:

1. Advancements in machine learning algorithms: The development of more sophisticated neural networks and training techniques has allowed AI to process and generate more complex and nuanced content.

2. Increased computing power: The availability of more powerful hardware has enabled the training of larger, more capable AI models.

3. Investment from tech companies: Major corporations and startups have poured significant resources into AI research and development.

4. Public interest and engagement: As these technologies have become more accessible, there’s been increased public participation in using and testing them, leading to further refinement and development.

Links:

  1. https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/movies/2023/09/29/the-creator-ai/
  2. https://www.nytimes.com/2022/09/02/technology/ai-artificial-intelligence-artists.html
  3. https://www.technologyreview.com/2022/12/16/1065305/the-rise-of-ai-art-and-what-it-means-for-human-creativity/

Who is Really Educated?

Olivia S.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Over the years, we have seen a shift in the standard of being “educated.” Of course, as humans advance and grow with technology and other resources, we see a change in who society considers “educated” and who it does not. Before, it was common to infer that a bachelor’s degree was enough to be considered educated. It was enough to get an entry-level position, hold managerial positions, or even teach in many states. As we move further into the 2020s, it has become apparent that a bachelor’s degree is not enough anymore; the boundary for being labeled as educated has been moved. Without several years of experience, and in many cases a graduate degree, many graduating students struggle to find decent work in their fields. This coupled with the drastic rise in the price of education has pushed many students to seek jobs that are unrelated to their passions and the degree that they worked hard to obtain, highlighting how a bachelor’s degree is no longer within the boundaries of “educated” in the professional sector of society.

I believe this can be attributed to the cost and prevalence of higher education. As the cost of education rises, leaving students in hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt to institutions, the government, and private loan companies, it is clear that there is substantial capital to be gained from higher education. In the United States, students are heavily exploited for the sake of being “educated” with the high price tag of education when other countries offer education for a fraction of the price with more equitable loan plans. Because of this exploitation in the US, I believe that there has been a large push towards the expectation of graduate school qualifications in entry-level positions. Along with the financial exploitation of students, society has created an issue where the bachelor’s degree is no longer significant enough. Throughout the years, society has pushed young people to become educated because they will stand out; however, they cannot stand out as bachelor’s degrees become more common, creating the need to pursue graduate school. The lack of exclusivity of a bachelor’s causes many students to seek graduate school for a better job. This lack of exclusivity, in my opinion, will soon move on to master’s degrees and they will not be as significant as they once were for this reason.

Shifting Boundaries of AI

Taylor L.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

In this present day, we see the use of artificial intelligence frequently. In some ways, it’s so embedded in our lives that we don’t even realize it’s AI anymore but in other ways, it is overwhelmingly apparent. For example, the use of Google Maps or other electronic mapping systems is a form of artificial intelligence that has become so frequently used that we don’t even think of it as AI anymore. Electronic navigation systems use data to formulate the best routes for us and determine where traffic is. In contrast, self-driving cars are still fairly new to the human population. Self-driving vehicles take away a part of our autonomy that most of us are used to using numerous times a day. In this way, it becomes overwhelmingly noticeable that AI is being used to carry out human actions. Depending on a person’s preferences, some people may reject the use of AI and others may welcome it. Apple’s Siri and Google’s Alexa are also prime examples of AI that are integrated into most people’s phones. Many people use these artificial beings to handle tasks for them without really taking the time to realize Alexa and Siri aren’t actual people.

The boundaries have shifted between humans and non-humans in recent years. For example, if I were to write an email with the use of Grammarly, how would you know that I used artificial intelligence? The lines get blurred between what are human thoughts and actions and what are AI algorithms. AI is meant to replicate humans so naturally over time humans will no  longer be able to identify what was created by humans and what was created by AI. I believe it will become increasingly difficult for humans to carry out tasks without the use of AI and it will also become increasingly difficult to tell what is AI and what isn’t. This boundary has shifted due to the increase in technological advancement.

Mickle, T. (2024, June 9). Hey, Siri! let’s talk about how Apple is giving you an A.I. makeover. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/06/09/technology/siri-apple-ai-chatgpt.html 

The Transformation of Gender Identity and Gender Norms

Kayla G.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Within the past decade, there has been a significant shift in how society understands gender identity and gender norms. Traditionally, people were classified into one of two genders: male or female. However, this understanding of gender has been increasingly challenged. According to the 2024 Gender Identity list posted by SexualDiversity.org, there are now over 100 genders that people can identify with, reflecting a broader spectrum of gender identities. This shift shows how gender identity is evolving. In recent years gender is being influenced by a variety of factors beyond just biological sex. Unlike in the past, when gender was directly correlated with a person’s assigned sex at birth, today, many individuals find that their biological sex does not necessarily align with the behaviors, attitudes, and appearances they choose to express outwardly.

Alongside the changes in gender identity, there has also been a transformation in gender norms. Previously, gender norms illustrated societal roles, with men traditionally viewed as breadwinners and women as homemakers. These roles were deeply ingrained in societal expectations and influenced everything from career choices to family dynamics. However, these norms have become increasingly ambiguous, with a growing recognition that one’s gender identity does not determine their capabilities or potential. The idea that anyone, regardless of gender, can pursue any career or life path they choose has become more widely accepted, challenging the traditional gender roles that once defined societal expectations.

This shift in gender identity and norms has impacted how companies and organizations operate. Many businesses have begun to adapt their policies to be more inclusive of diverse gender identities. This includes implementing non-discriminatory policies that protect employees based on their gender identity and sexuality. These changes reflects a societal trend toward accepting and normalizing gender-fluid identities. An article from the Harvard Business Review highlights this shift, noting that in the U.S., approximately 56% of people know someone who identifies with a gender-neutral pronoun. Additionally, around 59% of people believe that official forms should include more options beyond just “man” and “woman” for gender identification. This growing awareness and acceptance shows a shift towards a more inclusive and understanding society.

Blurring the Boundaries

Zoe C.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

In cyberpunk literature the theme of eliminating boundaries that try to define humanity. This is increasingly relevant in sci-fi and AI concepts that blur the lines between humans and machines. In recent years we’ve seen a huge shift in the ways we interact with AI technologies and create projects. The change in boundary covers many different domains in the writing, music, and visual arts. MidJourney and Stable Diffusion have been brought to light which can create original music and artwork based on small simple paragraph prompts that we present. Chat GPT and others are software that can produce human-like responses to simple paragraph prompts. AI software is producing very similar human responses and can even pass for humans in specific styles. In today’s world, we have seen AI projects that have won awards and easily passed for human pieces. Many factors have come together to eliminate the boundary like advances in machine learning specifically in generative models and neural networks which have improved AI’s ability to understand the human content it is given and generate answers to those human prompts. major tech companies and startups have put a lot of time into developing AI tools. There are many questions we may have after dealing with this shifting boundary. Questions like how do we define the human aspects of these attempts to blur the boundary? How do we understand AI as it is constantly advancing in ways humans cannot keep up with? As we continue to blur lines between AI and human creativity this is an example of how the boundaries that were already created are changing in ways similar to the cyberpunk fiction genre. And, as we move forward it will be important for humans to pay attention and navigate these changes thoughtfully so that we prepare the AI potential while keeping humans human.