What is CYBORG: Will Humans Become Cyborgs in the Future? What Exactly is a Cyborg, and Why Could It Be a Threat?

The journey of our evolution began with a simple organism — a bacterium. After billions of years of the random process of natural selection, modern humans came into existence. But today, we stand at a juncture where a crucial question arises: will future evolution remain as spontaneous and natural, or will humans begin to dictate the direction of their own species?

Human civilization has reached a stage where unprecedented breakthroughs in biological, physical, and technological fields are raising profound questions about our future identity. Scientists and thinkers believe we are entering an era where the fusion of humans and machines — Cyborgs — could become a new reality.

Understanding the Concept of a Cyborg

The term “Cyborg” is derived from two words: “Cybernetic” and “Organism.” It refers to a being that is part biological (living) and part artificial or mechanical. A cyborg is typically perceived as an entity that can enhance its physical or mental capabilities through technological augmentations. Today, technologies such as artificial limbs, implants, and brain-controlled robotic limbs have already begun making this idea a reality.

A cyborg is a human whose body incorporates technological devices and brain chips, thereby multiplying their mental and physical capacities beyond current limitations. This is no longer just science fiction — it has become the focus of real scientific projects.

The term “Cyborg” was coined in 1960 by scientists Manfred Clynes and Nathan S. Kline. They introduced this term while developing plans to technologically enhance humans for space travel, with the idea of modifying the human body to survive the hostile environment of outer space.

Neuralink: A Revolutionary Step Toward Brain Chip Technology

Elon Musk’s private company, Neuralink, is at the forefront of this field. Neuralink is developing a brain chip that can be linked to the human neural network. With this chip, cognitive abilities, memory, behavior, and even physical strength can be enhanced and controlled.

Musk believes that Artificial Intelligence (AI) may soon pose a serious threat to human civilization. To counter this threat, humans will need to augment themselves technologically — in other words, become cyborgs. Neuralink is an effort in that direction.

The Cyborg Within Us: Technology and Everyday Life

Imagine waking up in the morning and checking your mobile phone first thing, working on a laptop all day, and sharing your emotions on social media in the evening. Have you ever thought that you are already becoming a “cyborg”?

American scholar Donna Haraway raised this question in her famous 1985 work, A Cyborg Manifesto.

Today, technology is no longer just a tool; it has become an integral part of our personalities, thinking, and society. A rural potter switching from a traditional wheel to an electric one, or a Dalit girl studying online via smartphone, represents not just consumption but technological empowerment — becoming a modern “cyborg.”

According to Haraway, the idea of the cyborg breaks down traditional boundaries that society has used to categorize humans — like male/female, human/animal, nature/machine, domestic/public.

Cyborgs and Feminism: The Idea of Fluid Identity

From a feminist perspective, the cyborg concept challenges the rigid and limited frameworks of female identity. It was once assumed that all women’s experiences were the same, but it is now understood that caste, class, culture, and society shape every woman’s position differently.

Haraway argues that women should not be bound by the notion of “sameness” but should instead unite based on shared purposes and consent, emphasizing affinity rather than identity. Thus, the cyborg identity is not static but dynamic and flexible.

Empowerment of Women Through Technology

In today’s digital era, technology has offered women new social and economic spaces. Teleworking, online entrepreneurship, and app-based services have empowered women economically, socially, and culturally. Women are no longer confined to traditional domestic roles but are now actively participating in all spheres of society.

When a tribal or rural girl gains education through a smartphone or raises her voice for gender equality via social media, she becomes not just a user but a carrier of social transformation through technology.

“Homework Economy” and Technological Inequality

Although technology has opened the path to empowerment, it has not been equally balanced. Many women are still trapped in the “homework economy,” engaged in low-paid, insecure jobs like garment manufacturing, food processing, and electronic assembly.

Thus, while technology can be a tool for empowerment, it can also become a new form of exploitation.

Cyborgs and Changing Identities: The Role of Digital Life

Today, the concept of the cyborg is no longer confined to body-machine fusion; it also encompasses the creation of digital identities. Social media influencers, YouTubers, and online activists — all are redefining themselves through their digital presence.

Technologies like prosthetic limbs, pacemakers, and neural-controlled devices show that humans and machines are increasingly intertwined. This scenario is no longer just science fiction but today’s reality.

Is This Progress or a Warning?

While the process of brain chipping and becoming cyborgs is seen as the next human revolution, many experts link it to serious ethical and social concerns. Key questions include:

• Will everyone have access to these technologies, or will they remain limited to the wealthy?

• Will this lead to new inequalities — biological humans versus technological humans?

• Will core human freedoms, privacy, and identity survive in a cyborg future?

Limitations and Criticism of Cyborg Theory

One major criticism of Haraway’s theory is that her language is highly academic and difficult, making it inaccessible to common people, especially marginalized groups.

The theory largely reflects the technological progress and digital lifestyle of Western societies, whereas countries like India still struggle with basic needs and digital inequality.

Issues like caste, language, and economic disparities, which are crucial in the Indian context, receive minimal attention in cyborg theory.

Medical and Military Applications of Cyborg Technology

Today’s medical science has developed numerous technologies that can be classified as cyborg advancements:

• Artificial limbs

• Cochlear implants for the deaf

• Eye implants with camera sensors

• Brain-machine interfaces like Neuralink

These technologies enhance human capabilities through technology.

Cyborg technologies are heavily utilized in the military sector as well. Exoskeletons enable soldiers to carry heavy loads efficiently, and neuroprosthetics help recover lost bodily functions.

Famous Real-World Cyborgs

Neil Harbisson is considered the world’s first officially recognized cyborg, having an antenna implanted in his skull to perceive colors as sounds. Similarly, scientist Kevin Warwick conducted cyborg experiments on himself, implanting chips in his body to open doors, control computers, etc.

Transhumanism and the Post-Human Future

Transhumanism is an ideology that envisions enhancing human beings to surpass their current physical and mental limitations through technology, evolving into near-divine forms in a post-human society.

Ethical Questions Surrounding Cyborg Technology

Major ethical concerns arise:

• Will machine-humans be granted equal rights?

• How will their private data be protected?

• Will this technology further deepen social inequalities?

Such questions are sparking serious global debates.

India and Cyborg Research

Institutions like AIIMS, IITs, and DRDO in India are conducting research in this field. India has made significant progress in bionic limbs, although it still lags behind countries like the USA and Japan. In the future, India could play a major role in this domain.

Movies like Terminator, Iron Man, and games like Cyberpunk 2077 have portrayed cyborgs fascinatingly. Indian cinema, too, has explored this subject with movies like Enthiran (Robot).

Conclusion: The Coming Age of Cyborgs

At the pace at which technology is advancing, the day is not far when many of us will become cyborgs in one form or another. While this transformation will bring both new opportunities and challenges, it is certain that cyborgs may become the next stage of human evolution.