As a way of introduction, I’d love to remind us again that we are in the era of advanced and insane technological advancement. And humorously, we can’t stop this revolution; rather we can only exempt ourselves from partaking of it.
For example, in the area of “Transhumanism”, we have seen the use of technology to transcend the limitations of humankind. But permit me to tell you this: What is takes to be “humans” is also what it takes to be “transhumans”; and this is called evolution. The only difference is that humans didn’t have a choice of evolving from Apes, but we can have a choice of evolving into transhumans.
Among the fascinating innovations that have graced the field of human augmentation is the mind mind-controlled prosthesis. This has brought hope to people with challenges in their limbs, as this tech will enable them move the prosthesis with just the mind.
But one of the greatest challenges facing the evolution of human augmentation is the need for “ethical acceptation”
Are people scared of this tech?
No doubt, people will always have reservations with new technology. For example; when the modern writing system was invented, there were speculations that writing will cause people’s brain not to remember anything, and will wholly depend on papers. But clearly, this story is different today.
According to Stephen Johnson:
People could say that this technology is bad; but everything bad is good for us if applied rightly – Stephen Johnson [Paraphrased by me]
There’s an innovation I’d love to draw our attention to: “The brain chip implant”. Have you ever imagined uploading mountains of files directly into the brain? That’s one aspect of this tech, but have you also imagined backing up the information on your brain to a computer system? Now it’s sounding weird, but thanks to cutting edge technology. Well, I welcome us all to the era of “Enhanced Revolution”
There are also other areas that have drawn huge attention lately; one of them is “genetic modification”. Now scientists are moving to re-programme our genetic codes to virtually eliminate unwanted traits. This could lead to a world void of illness, or a world were humankind would not need to sleep, yet will be super active.
This brings us to my next question:
Will these emerging technologies take humankind to a positive direction or negative direction?
The answer to this question depends on who you ask. Here’s what Dr Ray Kurzweil (Futurist) says:
The purpose of these emerging technologies is to provide a springboard in the improvement of humanity – Dr Ray Kurzweil
But definitely; it is not uncommon for criticism to arise. As a matter of precision, the presence of criticisms could mean that there are potentials in the tech.
The major criticism and concerns of these techs is that it would ultimately lead to humans losing their humanity.
Human augmentation may lead to the creation of people who are no longer psychologically or physically humans - Francis Fukuyama (Social Philosopher)
People are also scared that these could increase inequality in the human community, as enhanced humans could take advantage of humans.
But the fact is; even though we are free moral beings, we may approach an era where we won’t be able to have choice of being enhanced or not (we won’t choose to become machines, rather machines will choose us). And no doubt, we are fast approaching this era.
According to a recent survey, here is the percentage of U.S citizens that are worried about some of these emerging technologies, and the fears they have:
Are we taking technology too far?
Whatever we have seen in the world of tech is nothing compared to what is coming. The emergence and development of great technologies is only mind-limited. As long as we can conceive it in the mind, the actualization would not be far-fetched.
Conclusion
Technology is advancing rapidly, and the impossible is being done repeatedly. Those that say that something is too impossible to achieve are almost generally interrupted by the people who are already doing the impossible.
In my world; the word “impossible” does not exist.
References for further reading: Ref1, Ref2, Ref3, Ref4
Embrace tech or be left behind. AI is the future.
Exactly bro. Tech is the future way of living in the "now"
I love reading articles on this topic. For me the merge is inevitable. For better or worse. Some see it as the end of our days, while others think of it as the only way AI won't take over us.
The merging has already begun
Tech is the future and if you don't meet up, you might just be left behind.
Lol. Exactly
good one,,,
Thanks