technoculture314-09

After pondering the cyborg theory, I realised that I do feel a bit uncomfortable with such a label. It is undeniable that we have become highly dependent on technology. Every-day usage encourages us to rely on our gizmos and gadgets, our cell phones, iPods, cars etc. But is it healthy to allow such technology to become so fully imbedded in the human self to the extent that it defines us, and we cannot function without it? Although the word ‘technology’ connotes innovation, power and progress, it also makes me think of something that is temporary, something that has a short lifespan. My apologies for being cynical, but technology tends to break down (often, in my experience). Sure, robo-limbs, such as Stelarc’s mechanical insect legs, can take us further (literally) than ever before, but can they really compete with the good ol’ arms and legs that we are born with? While the human body sends signals of pain when something is physically wrong, technology can fail us without warning.

The human species, it seems, has always found great fascination in pushing the human body to its limits. Take Olympic sprinters for example. A high sense of satisfaction is achieved knowing that they have run as fast as their bodies can possibly allow. For cyborgs, almost anything is possible. The capabilities of the cyborg body are practically endless. Although a world full of cyborgs suggests a world full of winners, it seems, to me, as though we’re cheating the system a bit...