From Cyber to Cyborg: Technological Determinism in Action

The theory of technological determinism suggests that advancements in technology play a crucial role in shaping historical and social progress. This essay proposes that technology influences human behavior, institutions, and culture, asserting that innovations possess the inherent power to reshape society, sometimes irrespective of human influence (Gasher et al., 2020, p. 151). In this essay, I will argue that technological determinism is a positive feature of today’s digital age in the advent of three constructive developments. Technological determinism in today’s digital age, explored through the emergence of cyber and cyborgs, is compelling as it delves into the potential of technology to reshape human behavior, societal structures, and healthcare practices in unprecedented ways. I will begin by summarizing the emergence of cyber following the emergence of cyborgs. I will conclude by exploring the remarkable health advantages offered by Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs), particularly for individuals grappling with severe illnesses and the associated adverse effects.

The prefix “cyber” started denoting anything related to computers, networks, and virtual spaces. It represented the digital world where information could flow seamlessly across interconnected systems (Gasher et al., 2020, p. 149). This era gave birth to the internet, cybernetics, and virtual reality. It was a time of rapid technological advancement, with the belief that technology held the key to progress and societal transformation. As we step into the twenty-first century, the concept of technology determinism is undergoing significant changes. In our interconnected information and communication network, cyberspace molds our interactions, perspectives, and societal frameworks. 

Whether gaming, socializing, conducting business, or participating in political dialogues, we traverse this digital terrain as cybernauts, exploring its immense potential and grappling with ethical intricacies. The concept of technological determinism, which asserts that technology significantly impacts human history and culture, is becoming increasingly apparent in today’s world. The cyber realm is the virtual and digital space where information flows, communication occurs, and societies interact. This digital landscape has become integral to our daily lives, influencing everything from communication to accessing and processing information. The emergence of the internet, artificial intelligence, and other digital technologies has changed how we perceive the world and sparked a paradigm shift in human connectivity and cognition. The path of technological progress, from the cyber world to the cyborg, reflects a transformative journey that has redefined the essence of being human. 

The term “cyborg” was coined by Donna Haraway (2013) in her influential journal “Cyborg Manifesto.” The period challenged traditional boundaries between humans and machines, envisioning a post-human future where our bodies would merge with technology, blurring the lines between natural and artificial (pp. 103-118). Cyborgs were no longer just science fiction fantasies; they were becoming a reality. The cybernetic revolution paved the way for cyborgs, with advances in prosthetics, implants, and augmented reality transforming the human experience (Haraway, 2013, pp. 103-118). From cochlear implants restoring hearing to bionic limbs enhancing mobility, technology has become an extension of our bodies. The cybernetic loop, where feedback mechanisms regulate systems, mirrored the symbiosis between humans and machines. The cyborg concept involves the integration of human biology with technology, resulting in a fusion of flesh and code. By augmenting our bodies and minds with technology, we transcend traditional boundaries, becoming the creators of our evolution.

This symbiosis between biology and technology can potentially enhance human capabilities, extending our cognitive and physical abilities beyond natural limitations.  In this new world, the cyborg represents a mix of hardware and software and our collective aspirations and dreams. We use technology to overcome physical limitations and explore the realms of imagination and creativity through virtual realities, augmented experiences, and immersive technologies. Additionally, the cyborg offers hope for medical advancements and cures. By integrating technology with the human body, we can open new healthcare and disease management frontiers, from neural implants that address neurological disorders to gene-editing technologies that promise to eradicate genetic diseases.

BCIs exemplify the convergence of cyber and cyborg. These interfaces allow direct communication between the brain and external devices (Gasher et al., 2020, p. 147). Similar to controlling a computer cursor with a human’s thoughts or transmitting sensory data directly to the brain. BCIs hold promise for medical applications but also raise ethical questions about privacy, autonomy, and identity. Massimo Marano et al. (2020) examine how biohackers experiment with their bodies, integrating technology for self-improvement. Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is a small electronic device inserted subcutaneously (usually via injection) into the human body (pp. 557-559). These implants unlock doors to magnet implants sensing electromagnetic fields; biohacking blurs the boundary between biology and circuitry. These “grinders” embrace cyborg aesthetics, challenging societal norms. 

Researchers are developing brain stimulation methods using focused ultrasound that eliminate the need for implanted electrodes. This technological advancement could significantly benefit patients, as electrode implantation always carries some risks (Downs et al., 2018, p. 63). However, it also raises ethical concerns due to the increased ease of manipulating brain activity. Brain-controlled exoskeletons empower people with Paraplegia to walk again and people with Parkinson’s to talk again (Massimo Marano et al., 2020, pp. 557-559). By decoding neural signals, these wearable robots respond to mental commands, bridging the gap between mind and machine. The cyborg dream of enhanced physical abilities is inching closer to reality. As we embrace our cyborg selves, we confront ethical dilemmas. Who owns our data? How do we define identity when our memories reside in the cloud? The cyborg narrative challenges our understanding of humanity, agency, and autonomy.

In conclusion, technological determinism propels us into uncharted territories, reshaping our lives and redefining human existence. Transforming from the cyber world to the cyborg era marks a profound transformation where creators redefine human potential. As we embrace this new reality, the symbiosis of flesh, code, dreams, and technology envisions a healthier, more connected existence. Yet, ethical and societal concerns emerge, demanding careful navigation of the integration of humanity and technology. Privacy, autonomy, and social inequalities must be addressed responsibly to ensure equitable benefits and mitigate potential risks as we advance into the future.

Featured image: Neuroscience News

References

Downs, M. E., Lee, S. A., Yang, G., Kim, S., Wang, Q., & Konofagou, E. E. (2018). Non-invasive peripheral nerve stimulation via focused ultrasound in vivo. Physics in Medicine & Biology, 63(3), 035011–035011. https://doi.org/10.1088/1361-6560/aa9fc2 

Gasher, M., Skinner, D., Coulter, N., & Lorimer, R. (2020). Media & communication in Canada: networks, culture, technology, audiences (Ninth edition.). Oxford University Press. 

Haraway, D. (2013). A cyborg manifesto: Science, technology, and socialist feminism in the late twentieth century. In The transgender studies reader (pp. 103-118). Routledge.

Marano, M., Motolese, F., Marruzzo, D., Ricciuti, R. A., Di Lazzaro, V., & Pilleri, M. (2020). Tuning Frequencies Across Leads with Interleaving Deep Brain Stimulation to Treat Asymmetric Tremor in Parkinson’s Disease. Canadian Journal of Neurological Sciences, 47(4), 557–559. https://doi.org/10.1017/cjn.2020.64