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Machinehood Business

Simone H.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

In cyberpunk stories like Machinehood, we see how corporations gain power and control over peopleā€™s lives, especially through technology and resources. In Machinehood, the ā€œpill fundersā€ manage productivity-enhancing drugs that many people need to work in a highly competitive world. These corporations shape society by making people dependent on their products to survive, which mirrors how some companies influence our lives today.

For example, large tech companies like Amazon and Google have a significant impact on our daily routines, from the way we shop to the ads we see. They gather vast amounts of personal data, shaping what we see, hear, and even buy. Companies like Facebook have even been shown to influence political views by tailoring news feeds to certain audiences. Amazonā€™s control over its workersā€™ schedules and the conditions in their warehouses reflects how some corporations prioritize profit over peopleā€™s well-being.

Machinehood also highlights the dependence on performance enhancement, which is becoming more common in the real world. In gig economies, workers often rely on apps and metrics to keep up, similar to how people in Machinehood use productivity drugs. This is concerning, as it raises questions about whether society is pushing people to act like machines, losing personal choice and privacy along the way.

While Machinehoodā€™s vision is extreme, it still warns us about the path weā€™re on. The storyā€™s portrayal of corporations controlling every aspect of human life might be exaggerated, but itā€™s based on real-world trends that we can see today. This cautionary tale encourages us to think about the need for regulations and ethical standards, so that corporations donā€™t have unchecked power over individualsā€™ lives. While we may not reach the full dystopian world of Machinehood, itā€™s a reminder to be mindful of how much control we give to corporations.

An illustration of a dystopian corporate-controlled future inspired by cyberpunk. Depict towering, dark skyscrapers with neon signs displaying company logos and advertisements. A cityscape with workers in mechanized uniforms or connected to various machines, showing dependence on technology. Some workers are consuming pills or injections, symbolizing reliance on productivity enhancers. Surveillance cameras and drones are visible, emphasizing the lack of privacy. The scene is dark with vibrant neon lights illuminating specific signs, adding a sense of dominance and control by corporations. Overall, a sense of overwhelming corporate influence and lack of individual autonomy pervades the atmosphere.

Cavallaro, Dani. Cyberpunk and Cyberculture: Science Fiction and the Work of William Gibson. Bloomsbury Publishing, 2000.

#BP05

Zakiyah M.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

In the film Blade Runner (1982), Tyrell Corporation is responsible for the creation of replicants that eventually became illegal to have on Earth. The corporation created these human-like replicants with the mindset of making them “More Human Than Human”. The replicants would have the capacity to complete tasks that many humans would not want to do, which from a anthropocentric view, seems very appealing. However, Tyrell Corporation disregarded the ethically aspects of this creation by not only making the replicants look human-like, even though they are viewed as servants, but also by adding artificial intelligence that gave the replicants consciousness and false memories similar to that of humans. Even as replicants began to deviate from their original roles, individuals from Tyrell Corporation continued to produce and use them for their own personal use. This a prime example of corporate greed and is a common theme that is also seen in the real world.

In the real world, it is commonly seen that CEOs of corporations care more about themselves and their companies than the overall wellness of the people that they serve. For example, Jeff Bezos is one of the richest people in the world with a net worth of a couple hundred billion while the starting wage for individuals who work at Amazon shipping facilities is under twenty dollars per hour. This comparison is very similar to Tyrell Corporation in which they continuously used the free labor of sentient replicants to do all the work that they did not want to do themselves. This imbalance caused by corporate greed widens the economic gap between the upper class and lower class, making it harder for those with less income to continue to afford to live as the rich get even more rich. Jeff Bezos is not the only CEO like this. Many large corporations are heading in the same direction in which their greed continuously puts the masses at a large disadvantage as the corporations profit from the work of the people.

These are How-To guides right??

Jesslyn J.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

I find it fascinating to think about where corporations might be headed, especially when I compare our contemporary world with the fictional examples from Blade Runner, Neuromancer, and Machinehood. These works present unsettling images of the future, but how far-fetched are they, really?

Take the Tyrell Corporation from Blade Runner, for example. Tyrell’s monopoly on bio-engineered humans, or replicants, creates a world where one company controls both life and technology without any real accountability. It’s a portrayal of unchecked corporate power that dehumanizes individuals for profit. When I look at some modern corporations, I canā€™t help but draw parallelsā€”there are certainly times when profit seems to trump ethics, especially in cases where companies disregard the impact of their products or practices on people and the environment. The power dynamics feel eerily similar.

Then thereā€™s the Tessier-Ashpool family from Neuromancer. They represent a corporate dynasty that wields technology and genetic engineering to consolidate power across generations. The Tessier-Ashpools blur the line between humanity and corporate control, introducing the concept of a transhumanist elite. I canā€™t ignore the parallel to todayā€™s tech giants who hold significant influence over our lives and privacy. Companies like Google, Amazon, and Meta come to mindā€”they might not be splicing genes, but they are deeply embedded in our personal lives and have significant control over our data, the media we consume, and even our choices. Itā€™s easy to imagine this concentration of power growing in the future if left unchecked.

The “pill funders” in Machinehood are another interesting example. These funders use biotechnology to enhance human abilities, controlling society through their grip on this technology. What strikes me here is how this setup could create a new elite, where only the wealthiest can afford the advancements that ensure continued dominance. In our world, I see glimpses of this in the rising biotech and AI industries, where those with financial access to cutting-edge healthcare and tech enhancements are likely to stay at the top.

When I think about the future, I do see echoes of these sci-fi worlds. But, honestly, Iā€™m not sure weā€™ll fully get there. As much as technology is advancing, and as much as corporations are gaining power, society feels increasingly resistant to a monolithic, corporate-run future. Right now, people are highly divided, and thereā€™s a lot of pushback against corporate influence. Movements around ethical AI, environmental responsibility, and data privacy suggest that many of us want to slow down or redirect these trends. So while I think thereā€™s a realistic foundation to these dystopian predictions, whether we actually end up in that kind of future will likely depend on how society addresses these issuesā€”and Iā€™m not convinced weā€™re all willing to ā€œmeshā€ with a world of corporate control.

In the end, I think these sci-fi portrayals are hyperbolic critiques grounded in real concerns. They show what might happen if we donā€™t think critically about the role of corporations and technology in our lives, but theyā€™re also a reminder of the power we have to steer our society away from those extremes.

To Merge or Not to Merge

Olivia S.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

In the age of rapid scientific advancements, the concept of creating hybrid creaturesā€”a fusion of human and animal characteristicsā€”is no longer confined to science fiction. With technologies like CRISPR and genetic engineering advancing, we are inching closer to realizing such possibilities. This philosophical exercise allows us to reflect on the implications of merging human and animal traits.

If I could hybridize with one animal, I would choose the dolphin. Dolphins are highly intelligent and exhibit advanced communication skills, social behavior, and unparalleled aquatic abilities. They are often seen as a symbol of harmony between intellect and nature, making them an ideal choice for a hybridization experiment.

Why a Dolphin?

Dolphins possess traits that are uniquely appealing:

  1. Cognitive Abilities: Dolphins have large brains relative to their body size, exhibiting problem-solving skills, self-awareness, and complex emotions. Integrating such traits could enhance human intellect and emotional intelligence.
  2. Communication: Their echolocation and intricate vocalizations could revolutionize how humans interact and understand one another, even at great distances.
  3. Physical Capabilities: Dolphins can dive deep, swim at remarkable speeds, and safely navigate underwater. These abilities could allow us to explore and thrive in aquatic environments, potentially opening new avenues for undersea colonization or resource acquisition.
This image was created by ChatGPT on Nov 27, 2024. https://chatgpt.com/c/67477210-1b48-8009-8980-d0f132f14cb7

While the idea of becoming part dolphin is thrilling, I would want to limit the physical transformation. My ideal hybridization would involve the following:

  • Enhanced Brain Functionality: Incorporating traits that improve problem-solving, memory, and emotional regulation.
  • Adapted Physiology: Gaining the ability to hold my breath for extended periods and swim efficiently. This could include minor anatomical changes, such as slightly webbed hands and feet.
  • Echolocation: Developing this ability could revolutionize navigation, even on land, particularly in low-visibility environments.

The extent to which I would give up my humanity is limited by how much these changes would impact my ability to live among humans and maintain my identity. While I value the enhancements a dolphin’s traits could provide, I would avoid changes that would:

  • Compromise my ability to communicate in human language.
  • Alter my physical appearance to the point of alienation.
  • Undermine my capacity for deep human connections.

Maintaining a balance between humanity and the enhancements would be critical to ensuring that the transformation enriches, rather than detracts from, my existence.

Hybridization raises profound ethical questions. Would such changes alienate individuals from society? How would we regulate who can undergo such transformations? These are questions we must address as we explore the potential of genetic engineering. Organizations like The Center for Genetics and Society are already fostering conversations around responsible use of such technologies

Hybridization offers an exciting glimpse into the future of humanityā€™s evolution. By thoughtfully integrating traits from other species, we could enhance our capabilities and deepen our connection with the natural world. However, this must be done cautiously, ensuring that we preserve the essence of what it means to be human. What animal would you hybridize with, and how far would you go? Let the philosophical debate begin.

Explore more on this topic:

The Future of Corporate Power

Olivia S.
Reading Time: 3 minutes

The cyberpunk genre has long been a fascinating lens through which we explore the dark potential of corporate power. Through its narratives, we encounter megacorporations whose greed and influence often override ethics, governments, and even humanity itself. By analyzing examples such as the Tyrell Corporation from Blade Runner, the Tessier-Ashpool family in Neuromancer, and the “pill funders” in Machinehood, we confront chilling portrayals of unchecked corporate dominance. But are these scenarios plausible futures or exaggerated critiques of our current trajectory?

Corporate Power in Cyberpunk: A Glimpse into Dystopia

In Blade Runner, the Tyrell Corporation exemplifies corporate overreach. It is a monolithic entity with near-total control over artificial intelligence and robotics. Tyrellā€™s replicants, humanoid robots designed for labor, demonstrate the moral compromise inherent in a profit-driven ethos. The corporationā€™s disregard for the ethical implications of its technology echoes concerns in contemporary AI and biotechnology sectors. Similarly, in William Gibsonā€™s Neuromancer, the Tessier-Ashpools are a wealthy and isolated family who control a massive conglomerate. Their pursuit of immortality and power through artificial intelligence creates a world where human individuality is subservient to corporate goals.

Lastly, Machinehood by S.B. Divya introduces the ā€œpill funders,ā€ corporate entities controlling pharmaceutical and biomechanical enhancements essential to daily life. These companies dictate who has access to resources, exploiting desperation for profit. Their stranglehold on healthcare resonates with modern concerns about pharmaceutical monopolies.

This image was created on ChatGPT on Nov 27, 2024. https://chatgpt.com/c/67477bc2-2978-8010-b7df-4172e8b2e2e5

Modern Parallels: Reality or Exaggeration?

Many of these cyberpunk tropes feel disturbingly relevant. Consider the influence of contemporary tech giants like Amazon, Meta, and Google. These corporations not only dominate their industries but also shape global infrastructure, public discourse, and even privacy laws. In 2021, Amazon was criticized for using algorithms that prioritized efficiency over worker safety, drawing parallels to the dehumanizing labor systems seen in Blade Runner.

Pharmaceutical companies also bear a resemblance to Machinehoodā€™s pill funders. The opioid crisis, exacerbated by aggressive marketing and lobbying by corporations like Purdue Pharma, demonstrates the deadly consequences of profit-driven healthcare. Similarly, the monopolization of insulin production has led to life-saving medication being priced out of reach for manyā€”a direct echo of cyberpunkā€™s dystopian critiques.

However, these depictions can also feel hyperbolic. For all their faults, many corporations do face public and governmental checks, particularly in democratic societies. Regulations like the EUā€™s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and increased antitrust scrutiny in the U.S. indicate that corporate power, while significant, is not absolute.

Are We Heading There?

The question remains: are we truly on a path to the corporate dystopias of cyberpunk? The answer lies somewhere in between. While cyberpunk narratives provide valuable critiques of corporate greed and unchecked power, they often amplify reality to provoke reflection and action. They remind us of the dangers of complacency in the face of growing corporate influence. Presently, we see these exploitative conditions in big corporations, such as Apple, that have led to dystopian-like conditions in the Congo due to greed for materials like cobalt and uranium, used to make iPhones and other Apple products.

By engaging with these narratives and drawing parallels to our world, we are equipped to challenge harmful systems before they solidify. As the line between fiction and reality blurs, it becomes vital to question, regulate, and resist structures that prioritize profit over humanity.

For further reading, explore the following resources:

The corporate dystopias of cyberpunk are not inevitable, but they serve as a stark warning. The future depends on our vigilance, resistance, and insistence on ethical practices that prioritize humanity over profit.

Fiery the Angels Fell

Simone H.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Human augmentation is advancing fast, and I think it will become a big part of everyday life during my lifetime and long after. With developments in bioengineering, neural interfaces, and genetic editing, itā€™s easy to imagine a future where we can enhance our physical and mental abilities in ways that once seemed impossible. From devices that monitor our health to brain-computer interfaces that could improve memory or let us control technology with our minds, the line between natural and engineered might get very blurry.

There will probably be a lot of options for enhancing ourselves. Augmented reality contact lenses or neural implants could help us process information faster. Gene editing might eliminate genetic diseases or even improve traits like intelligence or physical strength. Exoskeletons could help people with disabilities or make physically demanding work easier. These advancements could give us more control over our bodies and abilities than ever before.

Iā€™d be open to some augmentations, especially ones that improve quality of life. Things like better vision because I do not have 20/20 vision like I used to, real-time health monitoring, or tools to help with focus and memory sound great. Iā€™d also consider neural interfaces if they could help with learning or managing tasks. But Iā€™d be against any changes that could take away my autonomy or sense of self. For example, I wouldnā€™t trust augmentations that allow companies to monitor or control the tech in my body because I am already skeptical of some AI and companies having acess to my data and such but I would be uncomfortable with enhancements that create unfair divides between people who can afford them and those who canā€™t.

Human augmentation has a lot of potential to make life better, but it also raises some serious ethical questions. As these technologies become more common, weā€™ll need to find a balance between innovation and fairness, making sure they improve our lives without undermining what makes us human.

#BP06

Human Augmentation Within my Lifetime

Kendall B.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

I think human augmentation will evolve to the point where we will have biotechnological body parts. If someone’s arm is amputated, then doctors and/or engineers can help/work together to give the patient a robotic arm. I believe technology will be very beneficial to society and will 100% make a large impact on the health industry. However, I also see a downside pertaining to the future of human augmentation in my lifetime. For example, Elon Musk and his team have already created a brain chip to implant in patients’ lives that allow them to control computers just by thinking. This can create many privacy issues when it comes to corporations owning basically a piece of our body. I think options will be very diverse in the future because, as time passes, human beautification rises. Meaning more and more people will want surgery to make themselves fit the standard at the moment. Iā€™m not sure what specifically the options would be, but I know for sure that companies would take advantage of people’s insecurities and use that as monetization. For instance, we might see products marketed to make individuals feel “perfect” or “enhanced,” leading to a societal shift in what is considered normal or acceptable. This could create an environment where people feel pressured to conform to unrealistic standards, making it harder to embrace individuality. I would not be willing to try any adaptations that involve deviating from nature. All adaptations are unacceptable for me because I do not want to modify my body. However, for other people, they can do anything they want with their body because thatā€™s their life; so that wouldn’t be unacceptable to me. Ultimately, while I see the potential benefits of human augmentation, I also think we must be cautious about the ethical and societal implications it brings.

Beyond Nature: The Future of Human Augmentation in Our Lifetime

Jacob S.
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Whatā€™s Next for Humanity?

As I reflect on what weā€™ve learned in this course, one question keeps surfacing: What will it mean to be human in a world where technology allows us to transcend our natural limits? Human augmentationā€”ranging from prosthetics and neural interfaces to genetic engineeringā€”has evolved rapidly, and the next few decades promise even more groundbreaking developments. From curing diseases to enhancing cognitive abilities, the options for becoming “more than nature intended” seem limitless. But with these opportunities come tough questions about ethics, identity, and the essence of humanity.

What Could the Future Hold?

By the mid-21st century, we may see a world where human augmentation is as common as smartphones are today. Here are a few possibilities:

  1. Neural Implants and Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs):
    Companies like Neuralink are already making strides in creating BCIs that allow humans to communicate directly with machines. These implants could enhance memory, enable telepathic communication, or even provide instant access to vast amounts of information.
  2. Genetic Modifications:
    Advances in CRISPR and gene therapy may allow us to edit our DNA to prevent hereditary diseases or enhance physical and cognitive traits. Imagine being able to boost your metabolism, improve your eyesight, or even increase your resistance to viruses.
  3. Advanced Prosthetics and Exoskeletons:
    Prosthetics will continue to improve, providing not just replacements for lost limbs but enhancements that surpass natural human strength and dexterity. Exoskeletons could allow workers to lift heavy objects with ease or enable paraplegics to walk again.
  4. Biological Augmentations:
    Innovations like bioengineered organs or synthetic skin could extend lifespans and improve quality of life, making once-fatal conditions manageable or curable.

What Would I Choose?

The allure of human augmentation is undeniable, but itā€™s essential to weigh the benefits and risks. Here are the adaptations I would consider and those I find unacceptable:

What I Would Try:

  • Cognitive Enhancements:
    A neural implant that improves memory or speeds up learning would be life-changing. Imagine mastering a new language in days or retaining every piece of knowledge youā€™ve ever acquired. This feels like a natural extension of our thirst for knowledge.
  • Medical Augmentations:
    If I faced a debilitating illness, I would embrace gene therapy or bioengineered organs without hesitation. These advancements align closely with the goals of traditional medicineā€”healing and preserving life.

What I Would Avoid:

  • Cosmetic Augmentations:
    Enhancements aimed solely at aesthetic perfection seem unnecessary and potentially harmful. They could deepen societal pressures around beauty and contribute to new forms of inequality.
  • Full Mind Uploads:
    The idea of transferring my consciousness to a digital form feels like a step too far. As Katherine Hayles discusses inĀ How We Became Posthuman, separating the mind from the body could strip away what makes us human: our embodied experiences and emotions.

The Ethics of Augmentation

While these technologies hold incredible promise, they also raise serious ethical concerns. Will they be accessible to all, or will they exacerbate the gap between the wealthy and the poor? How do we ensure that human augmentation enhances society rather than dividing it? These are questions we must confront as these technologies become reality.

Final Thoughts

Human augmentation will likely define the next phase of our evolution, blurring the line between biology and technology. In my lifetime, I expect to see remarkable advancements that will improve lives, challenge societal norms, and redefine what it means to be human. However, we must proceed thoughtfully, ensuring that these changes respect our shared humanity.

The Future of Human Augmentation: Unlocking Potential and Defining Limits

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 limbsā€”things that previously seemed like science fictionā€”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.

Breaking Limits Stock Illustrations ā€“ 273 Breaking Limits Stock Illustrations, Vectors & Clipart - Dreamstime

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 yesā€”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.

What is a Life Without Limits?

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

BP06

Kaydra R.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Based on how technology is altering in my lifetime currently I feel as though in the future time to come human augmentation has grown drastically. I do believe that the world or the US for example would still operate with a government but these companies will become a part of the government and gain control of the free will individuals currently have. I feel as though free will will become less and less as time goes on. Also, technology or Ai would take the place of more and more jobs solely done by humans while our physical world would turn completely digital, for example strictly online shopping. Many of the ways I feel the world would alter and change in my lifetime was presented in the movie I used for our recent research assignment. In code 46 one thing I noticed humans having to do other than give up a percentage of their free will to the government was using a device implemented into their bodies to travel from place to place. In the movie the government watches how, where and when all individuals travel to and they can be permitted not to travel anywhere if the government chooses not to. Another very strong reason I believe things as such would be implemented into the technology of my future is because of current politics. Currently according to politics in the news a lot of the things mentioned in the post and un class have been neutered or planned to occur in the near future.All new adaptations known to come to the future of technology I would be willing to give a try at least. Based on trying it I would then determine if I would incorporate such technology into my life. An adaptation I would refuse to try is anything which has too much control over my life or mind/body altering. Things made to make my life simpler such as ai or chat gpt i would have not issue using or even incorporating into my life.