Jungmin Ryoo: Cyborg Morals

cyborg illustration by Jungmin Ryoo

cuban house painted in pink with rooster out front on the lawn

Posted on April 15, 2015 by Jungmin Ryoo

A cyborg, short for “cybernetic organism,” is a being with both organic and mechanical parts. The integration of artificial devices and humans has begun to repair or replace broken or missing biological function. However, it became more of the augmentation of the human abilities, and the advent of the artificial intelligence further blurs the line between humans and machines.

cuban house painted in pink with rooster out front on the lawn

cyborg morals article

cuban house painted in pink with rooster out front on the lawn

The sanctity of human life is being violated.

cuban house painted in pink with rooster out front on the lawn

cyborg illustration by Jungmin Ryoo

cuban house painted in pink with rooster out front on the lawn

The future of the artificial device will be more than just wearing an extrinsic machine. The advances in implantable microchip technology enable seamless integration of machines and humans. People will have chips on their brain to enhance the functionality of the body as well as the mind. Someday, it will become impossible to distinguish a cyborg from a human with the naked eye. When computer intervention becomes too significant and pervasive, the biological individuality of humans will be threatened. The morality of any activity that has a potential to cheapen the value of human life should be clearly discussed and structured.

cuban house painted in pink with rooster out front on the lawn

cyborg illustration by Jungmin Ryoo

cuban house painted in pink with rooster out front on the lawn

cyborg illustration by Jungmin Ryoo

cuban house painted in pink with rooster out front on the lawn

The revolution has begun. What is your opinion?

cuban house painted in pink with rooster out front on the lawn

cyborg illustration by Jungmin Ryoo

cuban house painted in pink with rooster out front on the lawn

Photography  and Text by Jungmin Ryoo, Copyright 2015.

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About the Author: Jungmin Ryoo graduated with a degree in Bioengineering from the University of Pennsylvania in 2014, and  is currently a research assistant at XLab: Experience Design and Technology Lab,  University of California, Berkely.