The Future of Human Perception.
It is hard to think that not so long ago, many things that we take for granted in our everyday world existed only in science fiction. Microwaves, television, and even the Internet are recent examples of technology that has enhanced our lives to the point of dependence. Video games have replaced old-fashioned babysitters. Human perception has expanded with the help of technology that we only dreamed of 2 years ago. 3D goggles, and electronic replacements for sight and sound have led us down a dangerous path. Technology is not without fault as we like to believe, but it is an unstable variable in the equation of every day life. We continue to become increasingly dependent on technology that brings us newer and better experiences. Beware however, because as the saying goes, be careful what you wish for, you might just get it. .
In his essay "Electronic Expansion of Human Perception" Warren Robinett describes the benefits of allowing technology to continually evolve to a point where it eventually could replace the natural senses that we are given. He describes telepresence as: "the experience of being at a place when at fact your body is many miles away" (Robinett 280). This unique technology is already in use performing surgery across continents and oceans. However, users beware, if you can be in two places at once, so can your enemies. The Agents in The Matrix seem like omnipotent gods to the few rebels trying to unveil the true reality masked by the "Matrix" computer program.
Ancient philosophers began arguing the concept of reality long before Jesus walked the land. What is reality? Morpheus states, "What is real? How do you define real? If you"re talking about what you can feel, what you smell, what you can taste and see, then reality is simply electrical signals interpreted by your brain." (The Matrix). The whole point of enhancing perception is to electronically fool the senses to perceive a stimulus that does not exist.
