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Cyberpunk, the Postglobal and the Posthuman

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Tag: posthumanism

Cybernetic Reality

27 November 2024 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.

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