In my nanotech thread (http://www.straightdope.com/ubb/Forum4/HTML/001566.html), I pointed out the strides that nanotechnology has made in this year alone. It seems like true cybernetics might just be a reality in the next few decades.
My question is, if you had the chance, would you “chrome up”?
I’m basing this on ideas introduced in cyberpunk fiction, like The Diamond Age and Robocop.
I’d be willing to go for unobtrusive enhancements, via nanites. I’d like enhanced reflexes and strength.
I’d also like to get my vision enhanced, with infra-red and ultraviolet capabilites.
Finally, I’d consider getting some hardware in my brain, like extra memory. With a plug-and-play socket in my neck, temple, or wherever, I’d be able to install data files like maps, Basic language skills, and general data. Of course, viruses would be extra dangerous…
So, how about it? How much of yourself would you be willing to “cut and paste?”
Carl (fiancé) plays a game called Shadowrun. His character has all kinds of neat things like enhanced memory and math skills, and things that increase his speed and agility. I would opt for anything that made me smarter, as lon as I could be sure of how any kind of brain implants would (or wouldn’t) affect my personality.
Well, considering that I’ve loved gymnastics, martial arts, and boxing ever since I was a child, but we never had the money to afford it, I would go Matrix and get a flash data card in the back of my head to upload basic and advanced fighting moves and tecniques from all major and minor forms of self defense and offense. I don’t need to do the olympic style gymnastics, I want to be able to do front and back flips, do the laying-to-standing leap, and other neato shit like that.
–Tim
We are the children of the Eighties. We are not the first “lost generation” nor today’s lost generation; in fact, we think we know just where we stand - or are discovering it as we speak.
Oh yeah, I forgot. My vision is horrible. Definately I’d go with telescopic/microscopic vision. Maybe X-ray, but it’d be too tempting to use on girls… I say it’s funner to discover what’s under there for yourself.
–Tim
We are the children of the Eighties. We are not the first “lost generation” nor today’s lost generation; in fact, we think we know just where we stand - or are discovering it as we speak.
