In “Exit Meat: Digital Bodies in a Virtual World,” Mischa Peters explores the relationship between human body and technology and discusses the idea of alternative brain-computer interfaces. While using numerous quotes from popular scientists, science fiction authors as well as examples from cyberpunks, Peters puts forward four different body concepts that differ in their level of involvement, or connection with technology: natural body, cyberbody, modified body, and enhanced body. These four bodies are either of human or posthuman, and their use of technology is either internalized or externalized. Of these four bodies, I personally identify with the natural body the most.
Natural body is the body of a human that has not undergone technological modifications or enhancement. Even though I use technological devices such as laptop, mobile phone, and many other, in my daily life to make my life more convenient and for entertainment purposes, I do not use them to support my own being. In other words, even thought technology is becoming a big part of my life, I do not need them to survive, or to represent my thoughts or my body itself. Neither would I ever imagine using energy from my own body to run other machines as Sam does in Synners. Unlike cyber, modified, or enhanced bodies, there is clear boundary between my own body and technology.
However, I believe that not in a distant future, increasing number of people could become more like modified bodies. In fact, there are many current cases where patients are aided by technology to extend their lifespan. Also, like Molly in Neuromancer, many occupations in the future, especially those that demand physical work, will utilize advanced technology that will assist them.
No comments:
Post a Comment