Risks and challenges of being a cyborg
Harbisson explained that there are two main risks of being a cyborg: the physical risk, for example, where the body rejects the material that is being implanted; and psychological or neurological rejection, that is, the brain does not accept a new meaning. In both cases there are solutions, from changing the material until it is biocompatible with the organic body, or changing the software so that the brain adapts better.
In Harbisson’s case, the antenna that was implanted not only makes him physically taller, but he also had to get used to seeing colors in a new way and that they can be very intense or shocking. “The brain gets used to the new sense and the body to the new organ. The adaptation period depends on each person, ”she shared.
However, in addition to the challenge of body modification, there are also others in the social field. For example, since they are not pre-human organs, many doctors do not see these surgeries, classified as transspecies or cyborg, as ethical operations. Although the surgeon who operated on Harbisson preferred to remain anonymous, there is a network of doctors interested in doing it, just as there were doctors interested in performing surgeries on trans people decades ago when it was unethical.
On the other hand, the legal part is also a fight that the cyborgs have. “Most governments have laws with things related to humans, and things related to technology. But there are no laws for people who are technology. I do not use technology, but I am technology, and there are no laws or rights that cover that issue, “said Harbisson.
And it is that he literally has the internet in his head. This can make you prone to being hacked, and there would be no law to protect you in case it happens. “It is a physical aggression, but it would not be seen that way because there are no cyborg rights or laws that talk about those issues.” This is why Neil, together with Moon Ribas, put these issues on the table through the Cyborg Foundation so that there are more cyborg citizens protected by law.
The technologies used
At “Human enhancement explainer: an introduction to the future of Humans” written by Peter Joosten, biohacker, futurist and author, it describes the following series of technologies that can be used for human enhancement:
- Pharmaceutical: the use of components to improve our physical, cognitive and emotional capacities are gaining more ground. Joosten explains that we will gradually begin to use “enhancement” pills; An example of this is supplements for better cognitive abilities.
- Genetic modifications: Currently we are already using gene therapy to cure diseases. Joosten explains that in the future we will be able to analyze and edit our genes to improve even from the embryonic stage.
- Prosthesis: These are artificial parts whose purpose is to replace or extend bodily functions (from a hand to the liver).
- Implants: These are electronic devices that are inserted into the human body. Most cases are microchips with RFID or NFC technology.
- Sensors: these devices enhance our senses or can add new senses. They can be inside the body or outside of it. A common example is hearing aids so patients can hear again.
- Neurotechnology: what it seeks is to stimulate or change the brain. This development can be separated into two modalities, inside and outside the brain. Its purpose is to improve memory or concentration.
Companies and organizations working on the ‘improvement’ of humans
The same text by Peter Joosten proposes the following companies and organizations involved in the improvement of humans through technology:
- Neurohacker Collective
- The Odin
- Dangerous Things
- Open Bionics
- neosensory
- Sarcas Robotics
- neurolink
- darpa
At a conference held in China in 2019, Elon Musk gave his opinion on the subject. He said that people underestimate the capabilities of Artificial Intelligence, and his solution is simple: if you can’t beat them, join.
“People don’t realize we’re already cyborgs because we’re already so embedded in our phones and computers. The phone is already almost an extension of yourself. If you forget your phone it is as if you do not carry a part of yourself, ”he concluded.
And you, what do you think about it?