The Human-Technology Convergence: Do humans even matter anymore?

Is technology our friend or our foe? How much is too much and will it ever get to the point where it negatively effects humanity?

One one had, technology is built into pacemakers allowing for remote monitoring and updates by medical staff. I am sure most people would agree that medical technology advancements are for the benefit of humanity, but are they truly? What about the security of the personal health data being collected? What about the data which may or may not be being collected my the manufacturer?

Opposite of medical advancements, when was the last time you went to the grocery store? Have you noticed the increase of 'self check' out stations? How many jobs have been removed do the advancement of automation? How many jobs have been shifted from the previously full service checkout to other areas of the business?

Convergence to Integration

The future is clearly here now. We use ChatGPT and Goolgle BARD to assist us from an Generative AI standpoint; a common Human-AI convergence. The next level of this convergence is these technology services within a wearable such as 'smart glasses', 'smart watch', and at some point 'smart contact lenses'.

At some point the convergence will become an integration point where Generative AI (or pick your technology) will be implanted/embedded into the human body. Imaging wireless technology embedded in your body allowing for data connectivity and simply 'thinking a question' and ChatGPT answers the question and feeds it directly to your mind.

Tesla's founder, Elon Musk has another company called Neuralink which specializes in brain implants that interface between brain and computer.

Our brain-computer interface is fully implantable, cosmetically invisible, and designed to let you control a computer or mobile device anywhere you go. - Neuralink

The Question

We live in a Human-to-Technology convergence today, but we call it Human-to-Smart Phone convergence, also known as - 6 out of 10 people take their phone into the bathroom with them. Tonight you may engage in another type of Human-to-Technology convergence, also known as - binge watching Netflix.

As the integration point we will have implants, wearables, and additional technology within our bodies to take the place of bones and other body parts.

Cyborgs. Actual Cyborgs. Maybe I should have been talking about Human-to-Robot convergence as it relates to Cobots, but we shall stick with the Human-Technology pivot point.

So, at what point does a human lose their identity? At which point is the human gone and only the technology (robot) remains?

When I die and my "brain" is downloaded to an Amazon Alexa type of device, is it really me? It has me memories. It has my thoughts. It knows my philosophy. It may even have my exact voice for the sound.

How much technology is too much technology for humankind, and is humanity is danger of becoming extinct?

Derek Martinez is a technology specialist - AI, Digital Transformation, IoT.

Who else do you know is up at 3am learning about the newest technologies?