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Even if we have not yet reached the dystopian extremities portrayed in these science fiction novels, the trend of corporate power, especially in the technology industry, indicates that companies may soon start to resemble these made-up worlds. Serious ethical concerns are raised by their influence over labor markets, technology, and even governments. Unchecked, this trend may result in situations where corporations dominate not just economic systems but also the fundamentals of identity and human existence. Megacorporations like Google, Amazon, Meta, and OpenAI are becoming more and more like the tech giants in these stories. They create and manage vital components of technology that influence day-to-day living, like artificial intelligence ,data collection, and surveillance systems. Particularly in fields like automation, data privacy, and AI ethics, their innovation is frequently unrestrained by significant state restriction. For instance, the quick development of strong language models by OpenAI in the absence of a defined regulatory framework may be compared to the rise of sophisticated AIs in Neuromancer. Like the “pill funders” in Machine Hood, businesses are using biotechnology, automation, and artificial intelligence to create the nature of employment in the future. While some professionals already utilize performance enhancing medications and nootropics to cope with high-pressure situations, biotech businesses are investigating ways to improve human performance through genetic engineering and cybernetic implants. Similar to how fictional companies control people in Neuromancer and Blade Runner, surveillance capitalism is growing, as businesses make money off of personal information. Businesses like Google and Meta collect enormous volumes of personal data in order to shape customer behavior, which raises moral questions regarding privacy and individual liberty. The power of corporations in geopolitics is growing. Some examples are social media behemoths affecting elections and political conversations around the world, or multinational businesses like Pfizer and Moderna during the COVID-19 epidemic. Like the Tyrell Corporation in Blade Runner, these corporations occasionally function outside the purview of national governments.

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One animal I would want to combine with myself  would be a crocodile and a wolf. I choose these 2 animals to hybrid with myself because one animal is known to land while another is known to water to different atmospheres combined and their capabilities can be used to lessen the barrier between animals and humans . One thing crocodiles are known for are their powerful jaws. Instead of slashing, their jaws are made to grab and crush. Their strength and interlocking teeth make it nearly impossible for victims to get away once they bite down. As a human we don’t have these capabilities so it would advance us in land and allow us to hunt. I am mainly familiar with wolves through movies and television shows, for example, twilight which I personally enjoy a lot. From watching this I noticed wolves are known for continuing to travel within a pact. Living in packs, wolves are gregarious creatures that usually consist of a family unit headed by an alpha pair. They may work together to hunt, raise young, and defend territory because of the pack system. Humans are familiar with loyalty but lack it very much so this would be an amazing addition.

When discussing the extent of the hybridness based on the qualities mentioned earlier I feel as though that’s where they should stop. A crocodile-wolf- human hybrid combination would be widely known for their hunting and traveling in a pact on land and water. The hybrid combination would not share any other known characteristics and it would remain as is. Although crocodiles tend to hunt alone, this hybrid may employ a pack tactic similar to that of wolves on land, fusing cooperation with stealth. The pack may conduct coordinated attacks by stalking prey from both land and water. They might even drag prey from the land into the water with their strong jaws and tails, which would make the attack much more deadly.

For this I would only give up the physical aspects of my humanity not my mentality whatsoever. I would allow a hybrid mix to take formation of my human body to still exist as a human with the ability to switch when needed. In the hybrid form or without the kinder would remain the same because such power requires a thinking brain.

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If allowed to hybridize with an animal, my choice would be a tiger. Tigers symbolize power and independence. In my opinion, traits like that significantly enhance human capabilities while connecting us to one of nature’s most inspiring creatures. The physical traits of a tiger offer potential. Their strength and speed could redefine human endurance, making us more resilient in extreme conditions. Imagine having the ability to sprint with precision, leap great distances, or tackle physical challenges that currently push human limits. Their claws provide both defense and utility representing the everyday tasks and survival strategies. One of the most fascinating is the tiger’s heightened sensory perception. I would love this due to my eyesight being terrible. Tigers have great night vision that helps them to see clearly in low light. Hybridizing with a tiger could give humans similar capabilities, enhancing vision in dim conditions. Their hearing could expand human awareness maybe sharpening how we experience the world. However, hybridization with a tiger isn’t just about physical strength or enhanced senses, it’s also about embracing their emotional and social complexity. Tigers are independent yet deeply protective of their territories. These traits could inspire a more balanced approach to self-reliance and community, teaching us how to prioritize individuality. While I would embrace enhanced strength and sensory perception, I wouldn’t want to sacrifice essential human traits like emotional depth, abstract thinking, or the ability to engage in complex social dynamics. From a philosophical perspective, hybridizing with a tiger ties into themes of identity and ethics explored in cyberpunk and posthumanism. This raises questions about how much humanity can be preserved in these enhancements. Hybridization with a tiger represents a leap into the unknown, a chance to embrace strength, grace, and sensory awareness that goes beyond human capabilities. But it also serves as a reminder that power must be tempered with wisdom to ensure that these abilities enhance rather than compromise to make us human.

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The neon-lit world of Blade Runner paints a vivid picture of corporate dominance like the Tyrell Corporation. Tyrell isn’t just a business. It’s an entity that engineers the very fabric of life, creating replicants. This portrayal questions whether corporations in the real world are heading toward similar unchecked power or if Tyrell’s dystopian grip is merely a hyperbolic critique. In Blade Runner, the Tyrell Corporation displays incredible influence over society. It not only produces replicants but shapes the rules for their existence. Tyrell’s, “More human than human,” reflects its godlike ambitions illustrates the blurring ethical boundaries and placing profit and progress above morality. The corporation’s disregard for individuals echoes real-world instances of corporate exploitation. This shows people are often treated as commodities. For example, issues like exploitative labor practices in developing countries seen in companies outsourcing to sweatshops. Workers are reduced to tools for profit, much like Tyrell’s replicants. Similarly, Amazon’s treatment of warehouse workers reflect the difference between corporate power and human dignity. Tyrell’s world doesn’t feel as far away when we consider how these corporations continue to grow with limited regulatory oversight. However, it brings to attention that regulation often lags behind innovation. Corporations outmaneuver existing laws by exploiting loopholes or influencing policymakers. However, the risk remains that corporations could consolidate more power. Ultimately, Tyrell’s world serves as both a warning and a mirror. This resembles real-world greed and power accumulation of corporations while exaggerating their potential for unchecked control. Whether or not we descend into a dystopia depends on how rigorously we hold corporations accountable and resist the erosion of individual rights in the name of progress.

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Human augmentation is rapidly transforming from a futuristic dream into a tangible reality. Based on what I’ve learned in class, I firmly believe it’s possible to achieve the advancements we’ve discussed—wearable technology, cognitive tools, and external physical enhancements—all within my lifetime. With the speed of innovation in biotechnology and artificial intelligence, these developments are not only feasible but likely to become widely accessible as costs decrease over time. I envision a future where practical, cost-efficient augmentation tools are available to enhance our lives without requiring exorbitant investments, making them accessible to people from diverse backgrounds.

When considering my engagement with human augmentation, I would limit myself to external technologies that don’t alter my physical body. Devices like augmented reality glasses, exoskeletons, or wearable health monitors would allow me to expand my capabilities without fundamentally changing who I am. For me, retaining my natural, physical self is essential, and I view external tools as a way to enhance my abilities while preserving my sense of identity.

However, I draw a firm line against technologies that could alter my mind. Neural implants or devices capable of influencing my thoughts or behavior are completely unacceptable. Such technology not only poses ethical risks, including misuse by external entities, but also threatens the autonomy and individuality that define humanity. I want to use technology to improve my life, not to compromise the essence of my being or my ability to think independently.

In my lifetime, I hope to see human augmentation flourish as a tool to empower individuals and create equity. By embracing ethical boundaries and prioritizing accessibility, these advancements can redefine our potential while ensuring that our humanity remains intact. It’s a future I’m excited to witness and carefully navigate. At the same time, I feel nervous about how society will adapt to these very possible advancements. Will we use them responsibly to promote equality and progress, or will they create new divisions and challenges? As we move toward this augmented future, I hope humanity chooses a path that empowers us all while protecting our shared values.

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In my lifetime, I feel like things such as Human Augmentation will go very far. I don’t know how far but from what I even grew up with from 15 years ago to today and what we have such as generative Ai that is used all the time, I can see it going a lot of places. In today’s world, we are already starting to advance and from things such as futuristic movies and other pieces of media, there are ideas that people already have saved and are in the process of making. One simple way is how intricate prosthetics can get because I never knew how expensive certain parts could cost and how one could even afford them until I researched it. In that if we have intricate pieces such as really robotic arms then soon we can already see things such as robotic eyes and more be made soon in the future. I can see things or parts like eyes being made because those are parts that usually people can’t use anymore so I’d think that would be the first step. In my mind, something like one of the Black Mirror episodes where they could watch back memories would be something in the far future. For myself, I don’t think I would go that far especially since I would be so much older and I think that would just be too much for someone my age at that point. I may want to try some augmentations but theres a certain limit and difference from help and from doing more than what is needed for human survival and even enjoyment. For some, it is just have the possession or being able to say they have something that others don’t but I don’t think I’d be like that at all. There are also some augmentations that may be too much such as ones that may be able to mess with someone else instead of helping the person who’s getting it such as using an augmentation that could change appearance.

sources:

Eden J, Bräcklein M, Ibáñez J, Barsakcioglu DY, Di Pino G, Farina D, Burdet E, Mehring C. Principles of human movement augmentation and the challenges in making it a reality. Nat Commun. 2022 Mar 15;13(1):1345. doi: 10.1038/s41467-022-28725-7. PMID: 35292665; PMCID: PMC8924218.

De Boeck, M., & Vaes, K. (2024). Human augmentation and its new design perspectives. International Journal of Design Creativity and Innovation, 12(1), 61–80. https://doi.org/10.1080/21650349.2023.2288125

Yoon, Y., Cho, IJ. A review of human augmentation and individual combat capability: focusing on MEMS-based neurotechnology. Micro and Nano Syst Lett 12, 17 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40486-024-00205-1

Reading Time: 2 minutes

In my opinion, human augmentation is no longer confined to the realms of science fiction. As technologies like neuroprosthetics and brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) emerge, the lines between the natural and artificial grow increasingly blurred. Reflecting on the insights from our cyberpunk class, The Wandering Earth, and Hossain and Ahmed’s ethical analysis of neurotechnology, it’s clear that the future of human enhancement holds incredible potential, but it is brought with challenges

Human augmentation is positioned to transform how we live, work, and interact. In the medical field, which is a field I desire to work in, as highlighted by Hossain and Ahmed, technologies like BCIs and tactile neuroprosthetics could enhance cognition, precision, and sensory input for surgeons and physicians. Beyond healthcare, augmented reality interfaces, robotic exoskeletons, and memory-enhancing implants may become accessible, reshaping productivity and personal potential. In The Wandering Earth, we saw how technological ingenuity was essential for humanity’s survival; similarly, neurotechnologies could empower individuals to achieve beyond natural limitations, enabling faster learning, better decision-making, and expanded physical abilities.

However, as we discussed in class, such technologies also carry significant risks. Ethical concerns about autonomy, equity, and identity mirror cyberpunk narratives where augmentation creates dystopian realities. For instance, Hossain and Ahmed raise critical points about the dangers of malicious brain-hacking, loss of personal agency, and deepening social divides, all of which resonate with the cautionary themes of cyberpunk media.

In our lifetime, options for augmentation will likely range from sensory enhancements (such as improved vision or tactile sensitivity) to advanced cognitive implants that boost memory and attention. Hossain and Ahmed discuss how neuroprosthetics can be combined with tactile sensors to give surgeons the ability to feel during operations, enabling greater precision. Similarly, BCIs could allow individuals to interface directly with machines, streamlining tasks like education or professional training.

I would consider augmentations that enhance quality of life without compromising identity or autonomy. For instance, cognitive implants to improve focus or memory would be appealing, especially for tasks requiring long-term retention and problem-solving. Sensory enhancements, like advanced vision or hearing, could enrich daily experiences while maintaining personal agency.

However, I would reject augmentations that compromise mental integrity or exacerbate inequality. Hossain and Ahmed warn of malicious brain-hacking, where external agents could manipulate neural activity, stripping individuals of autonomy. This is unacceptable, as it poses risks not only to personal identity but also to broader societal trust. I would also reject adaptations that create unjust advantages, such as cognitive implants for competitive edge in professional or academic settings, as they could lead to new forms of discrimination and inequality.

The societal pressures to adopt augmentations are another concern. Hossain and Ahmed argue that non-augmented individuals might be perceived as inferior, leading to marginalization. This echoes the cyberpunk cautionary tales we’ve studied, where technology often amplifies societal divides rather than bridging them.

References: Hossain, S. Q., & Ahmed, S. I. (n.d.). Ethical analysis on the application of neurotechnology for human augmentation in physicians and surgeons. https://arxiv.org/html/2006.16925v3