Sliding into the robot apocalypse

The human mind operates on multiple levels.

The first layer is the most primitive part, the reptilian brain. It’s focused on survival instincts.

Next comes the limbic layer, which drives emotions and desire, like the urge for pleasure and reproduction.

And third is the neocortex, which represents all the advanced, thinking and planning functions.

That’s how it’s been for many thousands, or even millions of years.

But only recently, say, in the past forty years, has there been tertiary layer. The digital brain.

I learned about this distinction in a recent podcast. Here’s the gist of it:

Our devices now extend our cognitive abilities and make us, in effect, cyborgs. This digital layer further augments our efforts to survive, satisfy our desires, and also think and plan. This is a good thing. It represents the natural progression of human evolution. Our cognitive abilities enhanced over time.

Now, I understand that it’s cache right now to curse our devices as the portals to evil. I don’t disagree our tools have negatively impacted us in numerous ways. I am just as addicted to my screens as anyone.

But I also think that we should read the writing on the evolutionary wall. Humanity has officially advanced toward a more integrated relationship with technology.

I don’t know if we’re all cyborgs now, but it’s undeniable that our species now contains both biological and artificial components. Much like a cyborg, we do rely on our artificial components to enhance our capabilities.

Darwin said evolution doesn’t favor the strong, only the most adaptable to change. By embracing a more integrated relationship with technology, now I have extended my cognitive abilities. It’s the fourth layer.

My digital brain is mapped on top of my reptilian, limbic and neocortical systems.

Does that make me a cyborg? I don’t know, but it certainly makes me better at my job. And that’s the most important thing for me. My strategy in life is to optimize for usefulness, because being useful is a primary way I make meaning, and ultimately, that’s how I create a fulfilling life.

If it’s true that cyborgs are species that contain biological and artificial components, then I’m not only okay with that, I’m excited about that. Because I still maintain my identity as a human.

I don’t feel the need to reconcile an internal conflict about relying on artificial components. I don’t feel guilty for employing the fourth layer. I am not hesitant around adopting new technologies out of a fear of losing something essential.

I view the fourth digital layer as a complimentary relationship, not a transformation into something different.

Of course, it’s also possible that this is exactly what the computers wanted all along, and I’m only one step closer to society sliding into the robot apocalypse where our species becomes completely irrelevant.