I have found this area of study to be one of particular interest when thinking about the impact of new media technologies upon our physical human forms. It appears to be almost human nature in a sense that we strive to better ourselves, evolve and progress as individuals. Our most basic instinct of survival is one we no longer need to consider as part of our day to day routines, as within western society everything we need to simply 'survive' is often given, and taken for granted. We therefore strive to progress and evolve into something that extends much further than basic existence, enhancing our bodys both physically and mentally in order to achieve self-satisfaction, as well as improving our capabilities as human beings.
'What is a human being, then?'
'A seed.'
'A... seed?'
'An acorn that is unafraid to destroy itself in growing into a tree'
David Zindell, The Broken God
The concept of the 'cyborg' has existed for decades, and the notion of a half human, half robotic being was once merely a figment of science fiction novels and movies. However technological enhancements of the human form are becoming evermore common practice. Even primitive forms of technology, such as spectacles can be seen as an external enhancement of our bodies. Using this as an example we can also see how such technologies have advanced. when we look at the development of contact lenses, and more recently laser eye surgery, we are witnessing 'new media technology' in it's element. This kind of technological evolution simultaneously allows us to evolve as a species, providing solutions to the physical and mental drawbacks we encounter that hinder our capabilities.
The term 'cyborg' can also be used as a metaphor to characterize the kind of beings we are becoming. Even though the majority of technology in modern day society is not integrated into us physically as such, our reliance on these technologies is becoming an integral part of our lives.