Tag: Human

The Future of Human Augmentation: Redefining Humanity in the 21st Century

Jaylyn J.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

In our lifetime, human augmentation is likely to progress far beyond today’s wearable technologies like fitness trackers and heart rate monitors. The future will bring innovations that not only enhance convenience but also save lives. For example, wearable defibrillators could detect cardiac emergencies and administer life-saving treatment autonomously. Similarly, prosthetics might evolve to integrate directly with neural pathways, restoring lost functions or even granting superhuman abilities. These advancements could redefine the boundaries of human capability, blending biology and technology in unprecedented ways.

Physical enhancements could also go beyond healthcare. Imagine contact lenses that display augmented reality information or exoskeletons that enhance physical strength and endurance, supporting workers in demanding jobs or assisting those with mobility impairments. These possibilities open doors to extraordinary improvements in quality of life while pushing us closer to the edge of what nature originally intended for humanity.

However, I believe human augmentation should be approached thoughtfully and sparingly. While I would consider adopting technology essential for survival—such as life-saving implants—I would hesitate to embrace enhancements aimed solely at achieving perfection or convenience. The essence of being human lies in our imperfections, our adaptability, and our ability to navigate challenges without fully surrendering to technology.

As human augmentation advances, it will also force us to confront societal and ethical questions. Who will have access to these technologies, and will they widen the gap between those who can afford enhancements and those who cannot? Will governments or corporations regulate how far augmentation can go, or will individuals have the freedom to push the boundaries? These are critical issues that must be addressed as we integrate these innovations into our lives. Ensuring that augmentation is equitable and used to improve lives—rather than exacerbate inequalities—will be essential for creating a future where technology enhances humanity as a whole.

For me, the line is crossed when augmentation compromises core aspects of our humanity. Technologies that risk my life unnecessarily or make me feel disconnected from my natural self are unacceptable. At its best, human augmentation should amplify what makes us unique rather than diminish it.

I think we should proceed with much caution when it comes to human augmentation because it can include a dangerous future.

https://images.app.goo.gl/6hK1cahnXMNe2Yvs8

Above shows a picture of how wearable technology have evolved so far.

Cybernetic Reality

Rudy W.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Technological advancements are among the main driving forces behind societal progression. Biomechanical innovations in particular, are currently being improved and developed to enhance the quality of life for individuals who may face disabilities that impair their ability to function to their fullest capabilities. Bionic organs, artificial joints, and highly advanced prosthetic limbs are a few examples of human augmentations that aid in improving the health and wellbeing of individuals in society. 

While we have made great strides in human augmentations, I believe we will see a shift in focus at some point in my lifetime. As a society, I believe we are at the point where biomechanical innovations are being researched and developed to improve the quality of life for those who are in need which is extremely important. Having this second chance at life lays the foundation for a more equitable society. However, I think it is likely that these innovations will begin to shift gears and focus more on extending life rather than improving it. Improving quality of life will not completely be abandoned, it will just become less of a priority. Realistically, I highly doubt that physical augmentations will be a prioritized development aside from improving enhancements to ones appearance such as anti aging.  

In addition to extending life spans, I believe that human augmentations will enter the digital realm, where humans will have the ability to have computer interfaces installed so their brains are able to operate as computers. The internet is such a broad place that allows one to have information essentially at their fingertips. Having a device implanted in the brain, which already exists as a highly complex organ could redefine humanity as we know it. Humanity would begin to learn towards posthumanism due to humans becoming decentered and identities being intertwined with that of a computer. 

 I would be willing to try adaptations on a needed basis. As it stands currently, I have never considered surgical enhancements because the idea of enhancing myself through an unnecessary procedure seems illogical. If I was facing an illness and needed a bionic organ to save my life I would be willing to test it out however, I would not do so unless absolutely necessary. I believe there is a great risk associated with technological innovations. If there was a brain implant device created such as the one aforementioned, I would opt out of receiving it. Technology is constantly evolving and the idea of having to constantly update yourself as one would do to a cellular device seems tricky. 

The only adaptations that I would view as unacceptable would be the ones in which only the rich are able to access them. In order to move towards a more equitable society, innovations that allow individuals to extend their life or merge their brains with computers must become accessible for every individual regardless of their socioeconomic standing. If not, society will become dystopian and the divide between the rich and the poor will be exacerbated.

Interfering Humans and Machine: What Direction is AI?

Jazmine F.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

The genre of cyberpunk is a genre that explores the influences and advances of technology. This is done through the lens of a dystopian view and narrative of human vs AI (machine). The works such as Blade Runner, Neuromancer, and Machinehood illustrate how technological advancements contribute to corporate power, the barrier between ethical boundaries, and the exploitation of humanity for control and profit. How does the power of cyberpunk resonate with contemporary issues?


In Blade Runner, the corporation is responsible for manufacturing replicants, so important to be able to decipher between humans and replicants. This leaves a debate on technology and artificial intelligence. This relates to today because tech industries such as Google and Meta use artificial intelligence to reshape society’s potential. The ethical implications of technology are often put behind the scenes due to economic growth and the influences of AI on the personal things of humans. 


In Neuromancer, there’s like an exemplification of corporate greed and the dehumanization of individuals. The families with the power and wealthiness in which they are given the power to construct their lives and live the substantial life they perceive it to be; which makes splits in society because of what people have. Technology corporations that are as big as Amazon and Apple influence global economic and political decisions in everyday life. The wealth of these big advances creates a hierarchy. 


In Machinehood, the commodification of human labor and experience is expressed. The pill funders control the economy of human enhancement which ultimately creates a model where humans have to adapt to demands to be able to survive. 

The million-dollar question: Are Corporations Moving Toward a Cyberpunk Reality? The corporate-driven dystopias presented in the cyberpunk narratives do appear to be chilling as it is viewed through the lens of today. corporate landscape. A company like Amazon impacts aspects of daily life because it provides shopping and entertainment, etc. While this is a fact it is important to recognize the intensity of this movement. For example, in the Blade Runner, there seems to be a more ruthless control and it stands on a level of a controversial real-world application of AI. 


While the cyberpunk view is hyperbolic; it’s not completely divergent from reality. Cyberpunk incorporates real issues in reality within the corporation to serve as a warning in a sense. There is much emphasis on corporate that diverges into the ethical technology and economic views of the real world. Even though cyberpunk may seem extreme in its characteristics in the dystopian view; it has real-world issues that are grounded as a reminder to consider the possible impacts on society. 

In conclusion, I feel as if cyberpunk narratives provide a speculative but cautionary portrayal of corporate power and greed, which can be beneficial to the real world. These cautionary narratives reflect many concerns present in contemporary society. The stories urge us to consider how far we are willing to allow technology and corporations to influence our lives and at what cost will we allow them. By embracing both the warnings and the exaggerations of cyberpunk, society has the potential to prevent these fictional dystopias from becoming reality; in which we would need to act on now to prevent this from happening. 

Beyond Biology: The Ethics of Human Enhancement

Makeda M.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Throughout this class, I’ve explored complex questions about human augmentation, from the boundary-shifting nature of working from home to the limits of merging humanity with technology. Considering the evolving landscape of human augmentation, I envision options arising that seem right out of science fiction—enhancements that blend our biological selves with digital and mechanical systems, allowing people to transcend physical and cognitive limitations. The question, though, is not just “Can we?” but “Should we?”

Depiction of human augmentation.

I think accessible augmentations will focus on improving everyday life, including implants that enhance memory retention, devices that monitor and adapt to our mental and physical health in real time, and sensory improvements like augmented vision or hearing. These feel like natural extensions of devices we already rely on (phones, wearables), and I could see myself experimenting with technology that boosts my cognitive efficiency or helps manage health.

However, there are limits to what I’d be comfortable with. The potential for invasive neural implants or gene-editing enhancements aimed purely at “upgrading” humans sits on a moral fault line. Such adaptations risk reinforcing social inequalities, creating a divide between the augmented and non-augmented. As someone with a background in public health, I see how disparities in access to healthcare already affect vulnerable communities. Unequal access to these technologies could deepen these gaps, turning what should be human improvement into a new form of discrimination.

I’m open to augmentations that preserve and protect my natural abilities. For example, using technology to manage health conditions is acceptable. But I would reject enhancements that alter my identity or biological essence—anything that risks turning me into something fundamentally different from the person I am today. We will all have choices about the type of augmentation we accept, and those choices will reflect our values and identity. My personal line lies where technology starts to replace what it means to be human instead of enhancing it. Navigating these choices will require us to consider not only the benefits but the ethical and social impact on our society and our sense of self.

Dolphin Brain, Human Mind

Rudy W.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

If given the opportunity, I would want to be hybridized with a dolphin. Dolphins are extremely intelligent and have intellectual capabilities that are similar to that of a human. One aspect of their intelligence that is particularly fascinating to me is their social awareness. Dolphins have a heightened sense of emotional intelligence.They are able to form deep connections with each other and their selfless nature helps them to care for members of their pods who may be injured; in some instances, they are able to help the other to breathe. In many animal groups, when a member is injuried they are killed off as to not slow the others down.  An additional fact that I find interesting about dolphins is their ability to turn parts of their brains off, which is a necessity for their survival amongst predators. I have ADHD which makes it extremely difficult for me to stay on task. There are many times where I wish that I could turn parts of my brain off in order to focus on the task at hand. 

If I was to be hybridized with a dolphin, there would still be many aspects of my humanity that I would not quite be ready to give up. I would want my hybridization to only happen in my brain so that I could gain the same intellectual capabilities that dolphins have. Dolphins are unable to breathe underwater so physically, they do not posses any features that I would want to adopt. I believe that humans are a superior species due to many of the innovations and strides that we have made over the centuries. I respect the place of animals in the world however, I don’t see myself ever wanting to give up a large part of my personhood in order to become half of an animal. 

Breaking Boundaries: When the Sky Knows No Limits

Luci S.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Imagine a world where technology enables us to transfer traits from one animal to another, merging the best of both. If I could choose, I would select the qualities of an eagle. Eagles represent honesty, truth, majesty, strength, courage, wisdom, power, and freedom—attributes that humanity sometimes lacks. They see the world from a perspective we can only dream of.

What draws me to the idea of being an eagle? The ability to fly and view everything from a different angle captivates me. Imagine soaring to visit family whenever I wanted! Unfortunately, today, many people focus more on power and money than on honesty and truth. If everyone had just a bit of the eagle’s spirit and prioritized honesty, we could create positive change.

In this hybridized form, I wouldn’t want to lose my humanity entirely. A healthy combination of human and eagle traits would be ideal. I would cherish the eagle’s strength, honesty, courage, wisdom, power, and freedom, but I also want to retain the social connections, emotions, and intellect that define my humanity. For example, having wings would allow me to explore the world in a way that no human can. Traveling great distances in just hours and experiencing nature from a completely new viewpoint.

“Another Eagle Photo” by vladeb is licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0.

The question arises: how much of my human nature would I be willing to give up? I would say enough to embrace the eagle’s strengths and freedoms fully. These days, we are so restricted and often impose limits on ourselves where there may not even be any. If we had the opportunity to possess the characteristics of eagles, it might show us that there are no limits at all. It would push the limits of what’s possible and experiencing the world through a thrilling new lens.

This journey wouldn’t just be about gaining new abilities; it’s about reimagining what it means to live.

Paws and Hands: Meow!

Jazmine F.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

If I had the opportunity to hybridize an animal, I would choose a cat. You may wonder why a meow? Cats are known for their independence and ability to use their heightened senses. Side note: I grew up around different animals my whole life, and I currently have six cats right now. Cats embody the perfect mix of moving effortlessly throughout the world. The qualities of a cat that resonate with me as a person are calm, relaxed, and curious.

I would love to have the ability to have a cat’s enhanced senses. My senses are ok. With a cat’s vision and sensitive hearing,I could accomplish so many things. I feel that I would have a better “eye” for my surroundings and be very cautious. Even with the cat’s hearing, I could sense movements from distances away. I think this would allow me to have a greater, deeper connection with the world.

If I had the chance, I would also be willing to have the reflexes that a cat has. Cats are so quick with their reactions. Imagine having the ability to be as fast as a cat. I think it’s cool how cats can land on their feet no matter what the fall may look like. Imagine you’re about to trip or fall, and you land on your hands and feet without damage. This would give me a sense of control over my body since I wouldn’t have to technically worry about hurting myself so often.

Although, having these features of a cat are useful and compatible; there are many human features I would love to maintain. For example, my emotions and relationships are powerful. I feel that I would still want to have the ability to express myself as a human can. Although cats are cool, I wouldn’t want to jeopardize my empathy and companionship as a human. Having the ability to communicate is such an important feature for me because I want to express myself; while being a cat, they don’t have the direct ability to talk using words, so I would find that difficult.

Overall, the blend of me with a cat gives me a deeper connection to the world and a sense of freedom while keeping my emotional intelligence as a human.

Between Human and Machine: The Future of Identity

Luci S.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

In a world where identities are often limited by strict categories like gender, race, and social rules, both Donna Haraway’s Cyborg Manifesto and Janelle MonĂĄe’s album Dirty Computer challenge these limits. Haraway, writing in 1985, imagines a future where fixed gender roles don’t exist, and being a cyborg allows for a more flexible sense of identity. MonĂĄe, in her 2018 dystopian album, highlights how people are punished for not fitting into society’s expectations. Both works push us to rethink traditional ideas of humanity and identity, offering new ways to see a freer, more diverse sense of self.

A Cyborg Manifesto by Donna Haraway

The ideas in Donna Haraway’s Cyborg Manifesto strongly connect with Janelle MonĂĄe’s album Dirty Computer. Both works explore the idea that identity is not fixed, and they break down traditional categories like gender, race, and sexuality. In Dirty Computer, MonĂĄe creates a world where these aspects of identity exist on a spectrum, challenging society’s norms. For example, in her song “Django Jane,” she emphasizes self-determination and personal power, which aligns with Haraway’s vision of a future where identity is shaped by personal experience, not by society’s strict standards.

Dirty Computer Album Cover by Janelle MonĂĄe

Monáe blends the ideas of technology and identity, calling herself both a cyborg and a queen. This mix reflects Haraway’s idea of the cyborg as a symbol of identity that breaks free from traditional boundaries. In “Make Me Feel,” Monáe talks about love and attraction in a way that shows the fluidity between masculine and feminine qualities, showing that relationships are complex and cannot be limited to strict categories. This mirrors Haraway’s call to embrace the complexity of identity. In the song “Pynk,” Monáe celebrates femininity and self-acceptance, showing that accepting all parts of yourself leads to freedom and happiness. This challenges society’s pressures to conform. Monáe also discusses how technology affects identity in the song “Dirty Computer.” She highlights both the positive and negative effects, showing how technology can give people more freedom but can also be used to control and restrict them. This ties in with Haraway’s cyborg, which represents the merging of human and machine and offers a new way to look at identity.

In conclusion, both individuals, Monáe and Haraway, encourage us to think differently about identity and society. They push us to see identity as something fluid and diverse, showing the importance of accepting individuality and breaking free from society’s rigid rules. Their works inspire us to imagine a future where everyone can be what ever they want to be.

Complexed Identity: The Intersection of Haraway and MonĂĄe

Jazmine F.
Reading Time: 2 minutes

Haraway’s cyborg work is explored in many ways in Janelle MonĂĄe’s album. Haraway’s work presents a radical way of thinking about identity and the boundaries of identity as fluid. Whereas, MonĂĄe’s album presents a dystopian environment where individuals face persecution of being non-conforming individuals. There’s a connection between these works in exploring identity and unfolding the complexity of gender and technology. Haraway argues that a cyborg is a blend of human and machine, which plays a major role in society today. For example, technology is evolving and constantly advancing how humans function, and technology is a tool that takes away from the responsibilities of humans. This leads us to wonder what it means to be a human? What is identity? Do we have to follow the social norms of identity?

MonĂĄe uses her music to create a situation that describes the themes of identity and oppression. She creates a future where those who challenge the societal norm are persecuted. The imagery and vision of the music reveals a society that will erase norms out of the framework, which relates to Hararway’s resistance within the system of oppression.

There is another vital alignment between the two works: they align with the embarking complexity of identities, which is important for liberation. Haraway’s manifesto discusses technology as a tool for liberation that allows for forming new identities that will eventually challenge traditional structures. In addition, MonĂĄe’s music uses futuristic themes and visuals to highlight the relationship between technology and identity. The control of MonĂĄe’s album goes back to how technology plays a role in society, but in this case how technology perpetuates oppression.

Both of these works challenge us to rethink the real understanding of identity and how technology plays a role in developing humans. MonĂĄe uses her music to create imagery that embodies the idea of Haraway’s cyborg and encourages the listeners/readers to celebrate and be true to themselves. Overall, we are challenged to think of a world that is constantly changing, especially with us: the things around us that influence us (technology).

The works create an inspiration to embrace the complexity of true norms and embrace the diversity that everyone has.

We are the future. We are artists. We paint our identity.

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.