Week three

Our thirst for technological improvements!

This weeks reading, ‘Mind Control and the Internet’ by Sue Halpern, discusses the future that technology may bring to us in relation to biochips. Biochips, described as a microchip computer, are inserted into the human brain and may provide us with the ability to download and store in our brain, any information that we desire. As I read through this article, I felt quite uncomfortable at the very thought of such a thing and that one day this may very well become a reality. I struggle with the idea and how anyone could possibly wish this upon themselves, despite the numerous advantages noted. Personally, I find it a little disturbing to think of the direction in which the human race is headed, I fear that humans will one day lose their natural abilities with the introduction of such technologies.

Despite the opinion of myself, I do believe however that the idea of microchip computers being inserted into the brain may not be as far off as we think, which doesn’t surprise me one bit. Researchers have made claims that these microchip computers may have the ability to cure diseases such as diabetes and epilepsy as well as conditions following obesity and depression. If this is indeed the case, then I would say that it is more than likely that sufferers of such diseases would be more than willing to go forth and take on this new form of technology. The thing that has got me most worried is that yes, we are well educated on the advantages that microchip computers can offer, however, not much thought has been given into what the negative consequences may be.

During class, we fell into a rather long discussion regarding both the advantages and ethical dilemmas to which the birth of such a technology would bring. A point raised by another student, that I found extremely relevant, concerned that of school. School is not only a place to learn new things and become educated, but it allows us at a young age to develop our social skills. The point that I am trying to make here is that if we become these micro-chipped robot like ‘things’ per say, then we may very well lose our ability to interact with other human beings and/or to feel emotion the way that we once did. In conclusion to what has been so far said, I do admit that such technology may be beneficial regarding the medical side of things, however more research should be undertaken into the negative consequences it will and may pose towards future generations.

On a much lighter night, I found this weeks’ lecture to be extremely captivating, as we discussed the development of computers over the past few decades. It is funny to think that in the 1950s there were just six computers to satisfy the world’s needs, a major difference in contract with todays technologically advanced society, don’t you think?

The truth is, technology is moving at such a rapid pace as our thirst grows ever so strong and I’m sure that one day humans will look back and ponder over today and wonder how we managed to survive with the knowledge that we currently lack in.

- Milli Marryat. 

- Halpern, Sue (2011) 'Mind Control and the Internet', New York Review of Books, June 23.

- Synder, Michael (2012) 'They Really Do Want To Implant Microchips Into Your Brain', American Dream, Aug 2.