Biohacking involves people conducting unconventional medical experiments on themselves using technology in order to achieve unorthodox outcomes. People may do it when they don’t feel well or simply wish to test scientific limits.
Transhumanism, an elite and techno-determinist set of ideologies, encompasses some of these experiments by encouraging practices such as cryonics or delaying cell death by slowing it.
Why do people want to hack their bodies?
Biohacking – the practice of optimizing one’s body through various means such as microchip implants that unlock doors or subjecting yourself to freezing temperatures to improve health – might sound like something from science fiction novels, but biohackers use such strategies and many others as part of a movement called biohacking which seeks to optimize body performance in various ways. As part of DIY biology, biohacking has gained in popularity with experts such as UK-based Tim Gray advocating its use as an approach that can help you navigate an unhealthy world by improving health through strategic interventions that improve wellbeing.
One of the main drivers behind people wanting to “hack their bodies” is dissatisfaction with modern medicine’s treatment of them, including doctors’ focus on sicker patients while their own needs go unmet and drug prices keep skyrocketing – creating the biohacking movement as a result.
Some individuals use biohacking as a way of trying to enhance their performance in sports, work or life in general – whether that be running faster, becoming stronger or experiencing spiritual growth. Other people take more extreme measures with biohacking; self-described biohacker Dave Asprey famously claimed he wants to live until 180.
Though increasingly popular, biohacking remains contentious. Critics have taken aim at its lack of regulation and risky use of unproven drugs which may produce negative side effects. de Waag has warned its participants about risks associated with self-administration of substances as well as to seek professional advice when necessary.
De Waag biohackers express concerns regarding wearable devices that monitor activity and sleep, saying these gadgets can be helpful but should never replace regular exercise and nutrition. Relying too heavily on one device risks neglecting other areas that are essential to good health.
Human enhancement
As technology progresses, human limits continue to be extended further and further. This has given rise to a philosophical movement known as transhumanism that embraces humanity’s unlimited potential by advocating techniques and technologies which enable humans to overcome physical limitations, cognitive deficiencies, suffering, as well as support morphological freedom – the right of individuals to customize their body and mind however they see fit.
Biohackers often turn to biohacking with an aim of improving their lives; be it running faster, gaining strength faster, relaxing more or achieving spiritual development. Biohackers conduct numerous personal experiments in search of what works for them; some experiments may prove dangerous without proper risk assessments or regulation – in the case of Aaron Traywick who attempted self-DNA manipulation to treat his gluten sensitivity, his attempted experiment proved fatal.
Some biohackers take a more conservative approach and use small tweaks to enhance their lives, such as intermittent fasting to control blood sugar levels or wearable devices to track sleep quality. Even such minor adjustments can have significant benefits on one’s health and quality of life.
Biohacking has gained significant traction over recent years, leading to conferences dedicated solely to this practice. Biohacking has even gained popularity among certain religious communities such as Sikhs. Yet some individuals remain concerned with potential ethical and moral ramifications from human enhancement, specifically the potential creation of cyborgs – humans who incorporate technology into their bodies – which have gained an image as being sinister; some fear these may even be used militarily or cause damage.
Biohacking and transhumanism movements hold much promise for humanity’s future, yet also pose some significant concerns about potential ramifications of these emerging technologies. Therefore it is crucial that their implementation be thoroughly discussed prior to being put into action.
Cyborgs
Cyborgs are individuals whose physiological functioning is enhanced or entirely dependent on mechanical or electronic devices, including computers. Cyborgs may be human beings with physical and cognitive boundaries crossed or machine-like creatures who have integrated themselves into human society; some even come to view themselves as human-machine hybrids! Traditionally seen as remnants of humanity’s technological advancement outpacing our understanding and leading up to Singularity, cyborgs may soon be considered remnants of future humanity.
Tech optimists who believe humanity must adapt rapidly in order to survive the Singularity and beyond include those known as Neotranshumanists who consider biohacking one of the best strategies for future preparation.
New cyborgs are emerging, and their motivations for modifying their bodies vary widely. Some simply want to stay healthy and live longer; for others it can be used to achieve superhuman abilities such as double amputee runner Oscar Pistorius competing alongside able-bodied athletes at Olympic Games; or using deep learning algorithms for optimal performance during chess or go matches.
Emergence of a new generation of biohackers is exciting, yet it’s essential that they understand its limits and potential dangers. Self-experimentation without medical supervision or ethical review may produce unintended or unexpected results that have profound consequences both individually and for society as a whole.
As the popularity of cyborg enhancement continues to increase, more and more individuals will look for solutions that can make their lives better. They seek ways to feel healthier, increase mental capabilities and move faster and more efficiently – some may even seek ways to enhance their appearance.
Cyborgs may not necessarily adhere to transhumanist ideology, yet many of the same concerns related to Singularity remain relevant in relation to this phenomenon.
Technology
Many practices people engage in to improve their health, such as wearing fitness trackers, following an intermittent fasting diet or receiving daily UV rays can be considered biohacking. But biohacking also involves more extreme interventions like injecting oneself with DNA via CRISPR technology or implanting chips to control devices.
At its extreme end, biohackers can be thought of as grinder punks – an anti-transhumanist group who enjoy life and reject ideas that seek relief through escape from it. Their passion for life may lead them towards transhumanism as a form of transhumanism may appeal to some.
Technology and its information is central to biohacking. Being able to monitor and collect body data has revolutionised this practice, with smartwatches and gadgets such as those measuring sleep cycles, blood sugar, or glucose levels providing all the tools you need for biohacking your lifestyle. Results from such devices may help optimize workouts or nutrition plans but can also shed light on what your body is or is not doing and reveal ways you could enhance its wellbeing.
Biohacking offers us a glimpse of our future by showing how technology could make our bodies more connected and intelligent. Biohackers already wear sensors that connect with home robots and other electronic devices; small implants enable individuals to open doors or pick up paperclips by touching only certain points on their fingers.
Biohacking communities often reflect an element of desperation – with modern medicine failing to provide sufficient remedies for those living with illness and being too expensive, people have taken matters into their own hands by turning to biohackers who attempt to eradicate disease like HIV/AIDS and herpes with genetic engineering techniques tailored specifically for their use.
But before embarking on any changes to your body or becoming a biohacker, be sure to do your research first. As well as making sure any modifications are safe, having a positive mindset and understanding how they’ll impact both physical and mental wellbeing is also key.
