everyday cyborgs

this slideshow is inspired by my recent purchase and wearing of the Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses.

The idea of becoming a cyborg with devices like Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses lies in the symbiotic relationship between humans and technology that these devices foster. Unlike traditional tools that require conscious interaction—like a smartphone you must pick up and unlock—smart glasses embed technology directly into your lived experience.

Everyday Cyborgs: Reflections on a Seamless Evolution

In many ways, we’re already living as “soft cyborgs (of which I am happy to call myself one).” If you think about it, our smartphones, smartwatches, and digital assistants have become so intertwined with our daily lives that they’re no longer just tools; they’re extensions of our minds and bodies. They store our memories, guide us through unfamiliar terrain, and shape how we communicate and connect with other people.

So, how often do you instinctively reach for a device to recall something you’ve forgotten, navigate a new place, or simply fill a quiet moment? These technologies don’t just enhance our abilities—they are reshaping what it means to be human.

But is this enough to call ourselves cyborgs? I think so, but not in the way science fiction might have us envision. We’re not androids with metal limbs or neural implants (yet). Instead, we’re soft cyborgs: humans augmented by external technologies. There’s still a gap between the hardware and the software or, in other words, between our biological systems and the tools we rely on. But that gap is closing rapidly.

The Hardware-Software Divide

This divide is one of the most fascinating aspects of our evolution as cyborgs. Most of our augmentations today remain external: devices we wear, carry, or interact with physically. Yet we’re steadily advancing toward a more seamless integration.

Take Neuralink, for example. Elon Musk’s brain-computer interface project is designed to create a direct connection between our thoughts and digital devices. This would eliminate the need for screens, keyboards, or even voice commands. Neural interfaces promise to bridge the divide between internal cognition and external computation, making the cyborg experience less about dependency and more about symbiosis. Imagine thoughts flowing effortlessly into digital systems and insights flowing back—a true partnership between human and machine.

Wearables, like smart glasses and fitness trackers, are the precursors to this deeper integration. They ease us into a world where technology feels less like a tool and more like an extension of the self. And as these devices evolve, they’ll pave the way for more profound transformations—from implantable tech to cloud-augmented cognition.

Living as a Cyborg

I recently bought a pair of Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses, and they have reshaped my perspective on what it means to live as a cyborg. They look and feel like a regular pair of glasses, but they allow me to interact with AI, capture moments on the fly, and stream music directly into my ears while staying fully immersed in the world around me. Walking through town wearing these glasses, I feel like a cyborg among un-augmented humans.

It’s not just the functionality that excites me; it’s the seamlessness. These glasses don’t intrude; they integrate. They enrich my experience of reality without isolating me from it. I’m navigating a layered existence—analogue and digital—in a way that feels natural, even intuitive.

Privacy and the Cyborg Future

Of course, there are challenges to this evolution. When Google first introduced Glass, public backlash was fierce. People feared being recorded without consent. Some businesses even banned wearers from entering. Meta’s approach with the Ray-Ban glasses is more thoughtful—fashionable design combined with visible recording indicators (a white light) ensures a level of transparency. The glasses won’t record if the light is covered, a safeguard that acknowledges valid privacy concerns.

But will these measures be enough to alleviate fears as augmented reality tech becomes more ubiquitous? Or will deeper anxieties about surveillance and control continue to linger? The ethics of augmentation—particularly around privacy—will be one of the most critical discussions of our cyborg evolution.

Hands-Free Computing and the Road Ahead

What excites me most about these advancements is the potential for hands-free computing. Devices like my smart glasses hint at a future where we no longer need to pull out a smartphone to navigate our digital lives. Instead, technology will become an ambient presence, seamlessly woven into our experience of the world.

This shift could redefine how we think about “normal.” As the line between self and system blurs, we may come to see technology not as separate from us but as an integral part of what it means to be human. It’s not just about convenience or efficiency; it’s about expanding our cognitive, emotional, and creative capacities.

The Questions That Remain

As we move deeper into this cyborg era, there are a few questions that emerge:

• Identity: If your thoughts and memories are backed up to the cloud, where does “you” reside?
• Ethics: Who controls the systems we integrate with, and how do we safeguard agency and autonomy?
• Evolution: Are we accelerating toward a posthuman future where biological limitations are obsolete?

I find myself wondering not just what kind of cyborgs we are becoming but what kind of cyborgs we want to be. The choices we make today will shape not only the technology but also the philosophy of augmentation for generations to come.

Are we ready to embrace our cyborg selves? And if so, how will we define this new way of being?