Overview: This article covers the transhumanistic view of wearable digital technologies and the future. It also discusses the history of wearable digital technology and the creators of the first pulsar watch.
Wearable digital tools and technology can be regarded as one step closer to transhumanism. According to Encyclopedia Britannica, transhumanism is:
Definition of Transhumanism:
The philosophical and scientific movement that advocates the use of current and emerging technologies- such as genetic engineering, cryonics, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and nanotechnology to augment human capabilities and improve the human condition.
Transhumanist Future
Transhumanists envision a future in which technology applications slow, reverse, and eliminate the aging process to increase human lifespan, all of which wearable digital technology has helped humans perform. Thanks to Apple watches and Fitbit, users can digitally monitor their health with wearable technology within a cultural phenomenon emphasizing personal improvement through self-tracking (Akdevelioglu, Hanson, & Venkatesh, 2021). Science Direct goes more in-depth into what transhumanism is and what the future holds. https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/social-sciences/transhumanism#:~:text=Transhumanism%20is%20the%20position%20that,capacities%20beyond%20current%20biological%20constraints.
Accidential Transhumanism
Wearable technologies are a form of “accidental transhumanism,” a transitional movement towards a transhumanist vision based on self-quantification, self-extension, and integration with technology (2021). As technology progresses and we become more integrated through more sophisticated technologies, the promise to live longer, healthier lives will eliminate consumers’ hesitancies about nanotechnologies and other genetic software integration capabilities, as Neuralink shows.
History Of Wearable Digital Technology
The history and evolution of wearable digital tools and technologies have existed for decades.
Still, Edward Thorpe and Claude Shannon are the credited pioneers who commercialized smart wearables as we know them today by creating a tiny computer that could fit around one's waist or in one’s shoe (Perkovic, 2022).
In the 1970s, wearables entered the fashion world. Pulsar released the first calculator watch, which was made of 18-karat gold and sold at high-end jewelry stores like Tiffany's. Casio made the calculator watch popular as a wearable technology (2022).
The future of wearable technology or the Internet of Things is interconnectivity among devices and the ability to sync data between wearables and mobile devices.
Conclusion
In conclusion, technology is advancing faster than we realize. We are advancing humanity and stepping into unknown frontiers thanks to merging humans and technology. If used properly, this transition will be one for the ages. Suppose we misuse the technology entrusted to us. In that case, the potential to leave financially disadvantaged people behind is ever present, and they will be unable to afford to partake in this next step of evolution.'
If this information is intriguing to you, please sign up for the bi-monthly newsletter and support caleasanagreen.com
Akdevelioglu, D., Hansen, S., & Venkatesh, A. (2021a). Wearable Technologies, Brand Community and the growth of a transhumanist vision. Journal of Marketing Management, 38(5–6), 569–604. https://doi.org/10.1080/0267257x.2021.2001559
Ostberg, R. (2024, March 29). transhumanism. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/transhumanism
Perkovic, M. (2022, September 30). Council post: How smart wearables are shaping our future. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesbusinesscouncil/2022/09/29/how-smart-wearables-are-shaping-our-future/
Comments