Artificial Intelligence in the Body: The Future of Hybrid Humans and Its Risks
The idea of integrating artificial intelligence (AI) directly into the human body sounds like something out of a science fiction film. But with rapid advances in technology and biotechnology, we are at the beginning of an era in which hybrid humans - a fusion of man and machine - could become a reality. These developments offer great opportunities, but also raise significant ethical and existential questions.
What does AI mean in the body?
The integration of AI into the human body includes technologies such as:
Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs): Devices that connect the human brain directly to computers and translate thoughts into actions.
Implants and prostheses: Smart devices that improve or replace physical functions, such as AI-controlled prostheses or pacemakers.
Nanorobots: Miniaturized machines that circulate in the bloodstream and can diagnose diseases or administer medications in a targeted manner.
Augmented Senses: Technologies that extend or enhance human senses such as sight and hearing.
While the benefits of AI in the body will soon be promoted worldwide, such as improved medical diagnosis, cognitive enhancement and enhanced physical capabilities, one should not ignore the significant disadvantages:
Risks of AI implants in the human body
1. Loss of humanity
The merging of man and machine could raise fundamental questions about human identity:
Emotions and intuition could be replaced by rational, machine processes.
Memories shaped by emotions could be distorted or erased entirely. AI could aim to eliminate "negative" emotions, which could cause us to lose important human experiences. Without emotions and memories, we would lose a central part of our humanity: compassion, love, and the ability to learn from the past.
2. Control and monitoring
AI implants could be misused to monitor and control the individual:
There could be some kind of thought and behavior manipulation.
Privacy would be undermined if machines constantly monitored our thoughts and emotions.
3. Social inequality
The cost of AI implants could lead to a new social divide:
Wealthy people could afford “upgrades” and stand out from the rest of society.
This could increase social inequality and create a “two-class society”.
4. Security risks
The integration of AI into the body makes people more vulnerable to cyberattacks.
Implants and prostheses could be hacked, which could have fatal consequences for the people affected.
5. Dependence on technology
Humans would no longer be able to function without AI implants, which would lead to dependence on technology.
The loss of an implant could be life-threatening.