Reading Notes #6

Last week, we read Andy Clark’s “Natural Born Cyborgs”, which focused on the proposition that all humans are inherently part human and part machine. Clark believes that we will become “human-technology symbionts” that will think with both a biological and non-biological mind. His proposition that people are “natural born cyborgs” stems from his belief that reason derived from the human mind cannot be attached to the body. As time goes on, he says, the “mind is just less and less in the head” (181). The human brain is good at physical feats but performs poorly in areas of logic.
Clark also believes that humans naturally have minds that were “made for mergers” (182). He even goes so far as to call us “Tools-R-Us” (182). As society becomes more technologically advanced, so do our tools. This explains our ability to interact with tools (in order of increasing complexity) such as pens, paper, and computers.
An everyday illustration of a human cyborg-like behavior is the use of cell phones. Almost everyone nowadays owns one, and many do not let it leave their sides. It is, in some sense, “attached at the hip” of many people. Text messaging is becoming increasingly popular. Clark sees this behavior as an “extension of the hand” (183). He also believes that when people purchase new phones, they are simply buying “mindware upgrades” (183). The non-biological machinery combines with the biological brain as users learn more about the technology.
Clark does make a point that we “aren’t ourselves” in some manner (184). There are questions of the extent to which technology will become a part of us. This is a very valid question, but the answer lies in the future, and is thus unknown.
In class, we discussed the pros and cons of the concept of cyborgs. Initially, many people react with the “ick” factor, or technophobia. Some worry that technology will ultimately take over and machines will become superior to humans. Fears of this are illustrated in many science fiction movies, such as The Matrix. However, some technological advances can be seen as beneficial. For example, in the Turkle article, a woman who had lost a limb finds comfort in creating an online identity before creating a real-life one. The Internet provides anonymousness as well as an outlet for creativity.
In conclusion, “Natural Born Cyborgs” illustrates humans’ ability to utilize resources and tools while at the same time acknowledges fears of reliance and dependence on these same tools.