It is no longer necessary to search for science fiction to discover the Cyborg. We’re all cyborgs today. Mobile phones and activity trackers, pac, makers, breast implants, and even aspirins are all biological extensions of our cognitive or social capabilities and enhance the human body and mind. There are even predictions that humans like we are today today will be replaced by technologically advanced, god-like immortal beings within the next 200 years. Or, at the very least, wealthy people will.
Next-generation technologies are expected to bring the world one step further toward this anticipated future. Today, we are looking at the end of bionic, body-based, and data-rich technologies, which could forever alter the way we think about the definition of being human.
Its firm, Athos, intends to introduce fitness apparel that measures the activity of muscles hea, rt rate, respiration, and muscle activity in real-time. The marketing materials encourage users to “upgrade” and become “the ideal version” of themselves. By doing this, Athos clearly reveals its transhumanist position: that technology will propel our species into the next evolutionary phase.
In collaboration with jeans manufacturer Levi Strauss & Co, Google is working on clothing that communicates with your mobile devices. With touch-sensitive surfaces on the clothes, you will be able to track weight gain, read your movements, make phone calls, and much more.
Activity trackers and fitness monitors, as we know them, could soon be replaced by biometric wristbands that monitor what’s happening within your body. Researchers from Echo Labs are currently working on the development of a biometric wristband that will monitor your CO2, oxygen PH, hydration levels, and blood pressure through optical signals.
There are a number of projects underway to develop implantable technologies that can enhance the human body’s biology. Internal microchips, as well as Digital tattoos, could replace smart wristbands, payment devices, and other similar items in the coming years.
The question that is usually not asked is, “How do we feel about living with technology on (or in) our bodies 24/7?”
Never stop, never with me.
The Fitbit team recently carried out a research study with 200 women who were wearing an activity tracker from Fitbit. It was revealed that the majority of users were embracing the device as an integral part of their lives and no longer viewed it as an outside technology. This could be described as ” always on, always on me,” with 89% of the participants wearing it all the time and only removing it to recharge their batteries.
We also discovered that Fitbits were a key participant in the development of daily life. It had a major influence on women’s decisions with regard to their food choices, exercising, and how they moved from one location to the next. Most of the participants made a longer trip to increase the amount of steps they walked (91 percent) and also the amount of exercise (95 percent) they performed. Many raised their pace to meet their Fitbit goals more quickly (56 percent). We also observed a shift in their eating habits, resulting in healthier food choices as well as smaller portions, and fewer takeaways (76 percent).
Handcuffs for fitness? Shutterstock
A majority of women who participated in the study thought it was crucial to track their activities throughout the day (88 percent) and monitor their progress more often than once a day (84 percent). The goal was to get the pleasing “hooray” and “champ” messages whenever a target had been reached. One person even stated: “I love my Fitbit Flex because it gives me a pat on the back every night.”
We were especially interested in learning what women’s views were on their Fitbit. For many, they saw it as a trusted friend who helped them achieve their goals (68 percent). When you reach your daily goals, it creates feelings of satisfaction (99 percent) sel, happiness (100 percent), and joy (98 percent) along with motivation (98 percent). A day that was successful and where goals were met made people feel more satisfied with their Fitbit (96 percent). A majority (77 percent) will even return home to get their Fitbit even if they left without it.
The darker side.
However, when we analyzed this evidence, we began to realize that the relationship may not be as simple as initially thought. The notion that technology can be simultaneously liberating and oppressive, which was first articulated in the work of philosopher Lewis Mumford in the 1930s, began to be seen. When we asked women what they felt like without their Fitbit, they felt “naked” (45%) and that the workouts they did were ineffective (43 percent). Many found it difficult to motivate themselves to exercise (22 percent).
More alarmingly, Many felt pressured to meet their daily goals (79 percent) and felt that their routines were governed by Fitbit (59 percent). In addition, nearly 30% of respondents felt that Fitbit was a threat and caused them to feel guilty, and this tech does not seem to be as perfect.