Driven by scientific and technological progress, human lifestyles and cognitive ways are constantly changing. Recently, Tesla CEO Elon Musk once again expressed his opinion that humans are already cyborgs in an interview. He believes that due to people's excessive reliance on smartphones and various applications, they have become inseparable from electronic devices, and in a sense have become cyborgics.
The phenomenon Musk is talking about is actually nothing new. Thousands of years ago, humans began using tools such as calendars, paper, calculators, or abacus to aid in memorization and calculations. However, with the advancement of technology and the popularity of smart devices, people are becoming more and more dependent on electronic devices. Nowadays, people can access information, communicate and process work at almost any time through a variety of electronic devices. Compared to 20 or even 10 years ago, modern man is already a different creature. If you drop the phone, you will show a syndrome like missing a limb. People have become somewhat integrated with phones, laptops, and apps.
While smartphones and apps can make people more productive and convenient, they are also worth our vigilance. Musk is also known for his wary attitude towards artificial intelligence. He has said that advanced artificial intelligence may limit human development and even "destroy humanity." In particular, he criticized OpenAI, a company he co-founded, which has transformed from a nonprofit into a for-profit company with Microsoft as a major shareholder.
In fact, there is nothing wrong with scientific and technological progress per se, the key is how to use it correctly. If we rely too much on electronic devices and integrate ourselves with them, we may lose the ability to think independently, let alone ignore the negative effects that technology can cause. Therefore, we need to constantly explore and think about how to make technology better serve humanity, rather than dominate it the other way around.
Humans are already inseparable from electronic devices, and in a sense have become cyborgs. However, we should not only look at the merits of technology, but also need to take a more holistic view of its impact. Technology should be a human tool, not a substitute for human existence. We need to be vigilant and use technology correctly to make it work better for humanity.