Watch Cyborg Nation
- 1969
- 1 Season
Cyborg Nation from WIRED is a documentary series that explores the ever-growing integration of technology with human beings. The show is hosted by Derek Muller, a science communicator and filmmaker who has worked on several popular educational YouTube channels, including Veritasium and Sixty Symbols.
Throughout the series, Muller travels across the world, interviewing experts in fields such as robotics, prosthetics, and brain-machine interfaces. He also meets individuals who have voluntarily integrated technology with their own bodies, such as a man who has implanted magnets in his fingertips to sense electromagnetic fields.
One of the main themes of the show is the idea of cyborgs, or beings that are part-human, part-machine. Muller explores the history of the term, which was first coined in the 1960s, and how it has evolved with the advancement of technology. From simple prosthetic limbs to wearable tech like smartwatches and fitness trackers, Muller shows how humans have been improving the functionality of our bodies for decades.
However, as the technology becomes more advanced, the line between human and machine becomes increasingly blurred. Muller interviews experts and futurists who predict that within the next few decades, we may see humans with entirely synthetic bodies, or the ability to upload one's consciousness into a computer.
Another topic explored in the series is the ethical considerations of cyborg technology. Muller speaks with experts who fear that the integration of technology with humans may create a class of people who are inherently superior to those without enhancements. He also raises the question of who owns the data collected by human-machine hybrids and how that data is used.
Despite the weighty topics covered in the series, Muller brings a lighthearted and curious approach to his interviews. He is shown trying out various technological enhancements himself, such as a prosthetic arm that can lift heavy objects, and ask questions that are relatable to the common person watching the show.
Overall, Cyborg Nation from WIRED is an engaging and insightful look into the future of technology and its integration with humanity. The show explores the possibilities and pitfalls of cyborg technology through the lens of experts in the field, and is sure to leave viewers with a greater understanding of the impact that technology is having on our lives.