Is AI Bringing Us Closer To Becoming Cyborgs?
(Title image by DALL-E 3)
Hi WA Friends!
When you hear the word '"cyborg," you might think of something out of a sci-fi movie - half human, half machine, with shiny robotic parts. But hang on, because we might be closer to this reality than you think!
With artificial intelligence (AI) becoming a big part of our lives, you could say that we’re already starting to become cyborgs. Just not in the flashy way that Hollywood shows.
Here’s a look, from my perspective as someone who has a degree in biomedical engineering and medicine, at what being a cyborg really means and how AI fits into this picture. And, yes, I used AI to help generate the outline and research some data for this post, but this is mostly me speaking to you.
What Is A Cyborg?
First, let's define what a cyborg actually is. The word "cyborg" is a mix of "cybernetic" and "organism." Basically, it means a being that combines biological parts with technology to get abilities that go beyond what normal humans can do. So, a cyborg is part human and part technological upgrade.
In simpler terms, a cyborg could be any person who uses technology to boost their abilities. It could be something like a cardiac pacemaker, a cochlear implant that helps someone hear, or a prosthetic limb that lets someone move around better.
The first day I began working as a medical director for a state job, back in the early 1990s, a nurse that I had not even met yet came up to me and said, "You're a cyborg!" After having a perplexed look on my face she said "You wear glasses." I thought it was a ridiculous way to introduce herself, but she was correct in the broadest sense of the definition of a cyborg. Lol 😎
The Current State Of AI And Human Augmentation
AI has slowly made its way into almost every part of our lives - from the virtual assistants on our phones to the apps that suggest what music we should listen to. But AI isn’t just about making our lives easier; it’s also becoming a part of how we enhance our own abilities.
A simple example is wearable AI tech. Smart glasses can help us make sense out of what we see and smartwatches can check our vitals and give us health tips in real-time. This kind of tech shows that the line between humans and machines is becoming blurry. These aren’t just cool gadgets - they’re tools that improve our physical and mental abilities, bringing us closer to being more "cyborg-like," and someday they will become implantable, like some of the tech I've mentioned above.
The Role Of Brain-Computer Interfaces
Brain-Computer Interfaces, or BCIs, are one of the coolest developments when it comes to AI taking us to the next level! Elon Musk’s company, Neuralink, is one of the big names working on this. The idea is to connect our brains directly to computers so we can boost our memory, thinking skills, or even communicate better.
The AI here plays a huge role. It translates the brain’s electrical signals into actions, like moving a robotic arm or typing a message. We’re not totally there yet, but the potential is huge. Imagine being able to download a new skill straight into your brain or talk without using words. BCIs could change everything, turning us from tech users into true human-machine hybrids!
What About A Hive Mentality?
Another idea worth thinking about is whether AI could bring us closer to a hive mentality, like the Borg from Star Trek. The Borg is a group connected by a collective mind (in case you didn't know), where everyone thinks and acts as one. They have no individual thoughts, only the collective.
There are some benefits to this. If people could connect their minds through AI, we could share knowledge instantly. Imagine learning a skill, like playing the guitar, just by connecting to a network of others. We could solve problems faster, work together more easily, and understand each other better.
But there are major downsides. Losing individual thoughts and identity is scary. If we all thought the same way, would we still be ourselves? Would creativity and personal choices disappear? In Star Trek, the Borg lost all sense of who they were - they had no personal freedom.
There's also the risk of control. If someone took over the hive, they could make everyone do whatever they wanted. Giving up individuality might make us powerful, but it could also mean losing what makes us human!
Ethical Considerations And Privacy Challenges
Of course, this brings up some tough questions. If AI makes us more like cyborgs, what does that mean for our humanity? Are we still fully ourselves if our thoughts and memories are helped or changed by AI? And who gets access to these technologies - will only rich people be able to afford these upgrades? That could make the gap between rich and poor even bigger.
There are also big concerns about privacy and control. If AI is connected to our bodies, who owns all that data? Could someone hack into your brain-computer interface and control what you think or do? These are big questions we need to answer before we dive too deep into the cyborg world!
What The Future Holds
So, is AI bringing us closer to becoming cyborgs? Definitely. But maybe not in the way you first thought when you clicked on this article. We’re not all going to have half-metal faces and laser eyes (at least not anytime soon). Instead, we’re headed for a future where AI and technology help us think, move, and live better.
It’s all about small steps. It’s about making little improvements to what we can do by using technology. AI is leading the way - one smartwatch, one neural link, one upgrade at a time. The real question is how far we want to take it and how we handle the ethical challenges that come with it.
Tell Me What You Think!
Being a cyborg should be about mixing the best of being human with the benefits of technology to make life better, but how can we guarantee that will happen?
Either way, we need to start thinking about what kind of cyborgs we really want to be.
What makes you excited or nervous about using AI to become more of a cyborg?
Let me know in the comments, AND ...
Keep On Rockin' It! 🤘
(Pin by DALL-E 3)
Frank 🎸
~90% Human-written content.
Recent Comments
11
Hi Frank!
When it comes to how AI is allowing us to rely on machines to teach us, I can't help but think of the movie Terminator.
Will AI technology take over? Will machines turn us into machines, as you dealt with in your post?
It makes me nervous about where this is all going. Will future generations be taught the things that used to be taught in school, or will educational facilities rely on AI?
Will we have a new generation of people who do not think for themselves but rely on AI to create their paradigm?
I know it's a discussion we will have often over the coming months and years.
Thanks for sharing, Frank!
Hi Howard
Yeah, the Terminator movies and Skynet is a great example!
I believe we will only be able to control AI up to a point, especially if we give it a way to fully exist in physical space, like a completely functional (and hopefully, not weaponized) body.
We could have machines building machines, like the Terminator factory. 🤖 🦾 🦿😳
Could it replace (and maybe extinct us) as the dominant species on earth? Possibly, but not if we retain control of it.
It's only a matter of time before our children are completely taught by AI. Our educational system is vastly inferior to what AI can provide and is not cost-sustainable.
Over-dependence on AI is undoubtedly a concern!
Enjoy the weekend! 🥳
Frank 🎸
Fantastic article, Frank! :D
I had not looked at it in this light. Very Interesting.
I watched part of a YouTube video last night. It was all CGI and not Cannon, but it proposed what the Borg of the Mirror Universe would be like. They had a King and not a Queen. Also, at least some of them lower than the King (if not all) had retained some of their skills/individuality. You might look it up.
If you would like to see where I would like this topic to go, read David Weber's "In Fury Born." It was originally published as "Path of the Fury." It is a fantastic Sci-Fi read that grabs a piece of Greek Mythology.
Happy FriSATSu!
JD
Deep read for an early Saturday morning Frank. 🧐
As seen in the Matrix, I’ve always wanted the ability to learn something just by downloading it straight to my brain. Definitely do NOT like the idea of implants!
Makes me wonder if this method of learning would be harmful in some way. It would be very interesting to see though.
Hi Steve
I thought most rock n' roll guitar players got up after 12 PM. Lol 😆
Yeah, the idea is to eventually arrive at a point where neuro implants and explants can be performed non-invasively using electromagnetic induction.
One problem with non-invasive informational transfer is that the brain lies below the skull and three coverings.
A more efficient way to get information in and out would be through the optic nerves by accessing the retinas of the eyes. It's one of the ways we learn every day by viewing text and images.
Other sensory organs can also be accessed, such as the ears to transfer information acoustically, as well as using tactile, vibratory, and temperature receptors in the skin.
Like any medical procedure, there will be an acceptable risk/benefit ratio based on published research data.
Rock On! 🤘
Frank 🎸
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Great post, Frank! I think the future will become even brighter and more helpful due to AI taking over everything. :)
When I think of a cyborg I would be thinking of Terminator and cyberdyne systems as well. :)
Myra ♥️