Cyborg 1.0: A New Reality?

I thought Kevin Warwick’s “Plan to be One with His Computer” was very interesting and had a futuristic notion. The idea of surgically inserting a computer chip in a human is reminiscent of the themes in the Terminator movies. When reading Warwick’s Cyborg 1.0, I couldn’t help but thinking about all the possible things that could go wrong with his experiment. Although his experiment holds shock value, I feel today’s technological society is merely one innovation away from installing computer chips into everyday citizens. Warwick discusses how the placement of the computer chip between two humans will result in sharing emotions and thoughts (and possibly a new range of emotions) simultaneously without speaking. He envisions a day when this is a common occurrence among society and people will never have to speak to one another. I feel that people are slowly succumbing to this silent fate Warwick refers to throughout the text. The rapid growth and popularity of text messaging, online instant messaging, email, and Facebook and other social media sites have effected how people interact with each other. Many people prefer to text or write a Facebook wall post instead of making the verbal effort to call someone. I feel this is becoming more prevalent in younger generations. I can remember (although it is weird to think about) when I didn’t have text messaging or even a cell phone. Today, kids are getting cell phones with text messaging plans-and I’ve seen the negative results first hand. When I babysat upper elementary and middle-school age children, I noticed there social skills and manners were different than from what I was exposed to growing up. I often wonder if there has always been a disconnect between generations or if what I’m witnessing is a noticeable and unhealthy change. Is technology taking us too far? However, this is just one side of an issue that holds thousands. There are many potential positive outcomes of Warwick’s research such as medical advancements and an increased knowledge about the interworkings of the brain. Most technological advancements are developed to make our lives easier-the evolution of the computer to a portable laptop or the development of smart-phones, with internet, iPod, and phone capabilities. Recently, a company has taken cell phone touch technology one step further-eliminating the use for fingers altogether. A German company, iDent Technology, has developed a cell phone capable of answering phone calls by detecting different motions of the phone and the type of grip on the phone. This innovation reminded me of Warwick’s description of when he first installed the computer chip in his arms and doors would “magically” open for him. Perhaps Warwick’s notion of the future is slowly coming to a reality.