The truth is, we're all cyborgs with cell phones and online

"The truth is, we're all cyborgs with cell phones and online identities." These words, spoken by Geoff Johns, tap into the undeniable reality of our modern existence, where the lines between humanity and technology have become increasingly blurred. In this thought-provoking statement, Johns highlights the way in which technology has woven itself into the very fabric of our lives, transforming us into something that is no longer purely human but rather a hybrid of flesh and machine. We are, in his view, cyborgs, beings who exist simultaneously in the physical world and in the digital sphere, our identities shaped and defined by both our bodies and our online presences.

In the ancient world, philosophers and thinkers grappled with the question of what it meant to be human. The great Socrates, for instance, considered the nature of the soul, the part of us that transcends the body, that which defines us as beings capable of reason and virtue. The human being, for the ancients, was something sacred—something that could not be reduced to mere physical form. Yet, even in their time, humanity was beginning to interact with tools, instruments, and technologies that shaped the way people experienced the world. Plato envisioned a reality beyond the material, one that was shaped by the Forms, abstract ideals that existed beyond the physical realm. But even Plato, with his vision of transcendent truth, could not have foreseen the extent to which technology would shape human existence in future ages.

The Romans, too, understood the profound impact that tools and inventions had on human life. The aqueducts, roads, and the vast empire built through engineering and innovation are testament to humanity’s ability to blend physical effort with the ingenuity of invention. But unlike modern society, the Romans did not yet live in the digital age—yet their reliance on physical, engineering feats to build civilization reflects a deep understanding of the relationship between the human body and the tools that extend its capabilities. The modern cyborg, in the form of the cell phone and online identity, represents an evolution of that ancient reality, a new age where the tools we create no longer merely extend our physical power, but also influence our consciousness, our thoughts, and our connections with one another.

Consider the story of the printing press in the Renaissance, when Johannes Gutenberg’s invention radically transformed how knowledge was disseminated. Before the press, books were scarce, and knowledge was largely limited to the privileged few. After its invention, however, knowledge became democratized, and human beings were able to access information at an unprecedented rate. The printing press, much like the cell phone and the internet today, became an extension of the human mind, allowing it to reach beyond its physical limitations and connect with others on a global scale. In a way, Gutenberg’s invention was the first step toward becoming “cyborgs,” where humanity’s intellectual reach was expanded far beyond what the individual mind could achieve on its own. Yet, even in this early form, there was a tension between humanity and technology, as people grappled with the implications of a tool that fundamentally changed how they understood the world.

Today, smartphones, social media, and our online identities have created an even deeper connection between the physical and digital realms. The cell phone is no longer just a tool for communication—it is an extension of our consciousness, storing memories, facilitating decisions, and connecting us to a world beyond our immediate surroundings. We carry virtual selves within the digital realm, navigating spaces that are no less real to us than the physical world in which we live. Our identities are shaped not just by the experiences we have in the physical world but also by the choices we make online, the personas we curate, and the relationships we cultivate through the screen. In this sense, Johns is not far from the truth when he compares us to cyborgs, beings who are part human and part machine, defined not only by our bodies but by the digital worlds we inhabit.

The lesson in Johns’ quote is one of reflection and awareness. Just as the ancient philosophers pondered the nature of humanity in a world that was constantly changing, we too must consider how our relationship with technology is transforming us. Cyborgs, in the traditional sense, were creatures that existed as a hybrid of human and machine. But now, in the digital age, we are those very creatures, and we must ask ourselves: What does it mean for our identity when our sense of self is so intricately tied to the digital spaces we inhabit? Are we losing touch with our physical selves as we immerse ourselves more deeply in the virtual world, or can we use this technology to enhance our understanding of who we truly are?

In practical terms, we must learn to balance our engagement with technology and the physical world. It is not enough to simply disconnect or reject the reality that we are living in a world where digital identities hold profound importance. Instead, we must seek a healthy relationship between the two realms. Just as the ancient philosophers believed in the balance between the physical body and the soul, so too must we find a balance between the material world and the digital sphere. Let us use our cybernetic tools to enhance our understanding, to connect with others, and to create a deeper sense of meaning in our lives, rather than allowing them to define us.

So, let us consider Johns’ words as a call to mindfulness—to recognize that we are indeed living as cyborgs in the modern world, and to approach this new reality with wisdom, humility, and purpose. Let us embrace technology as a tool that extends our potential, but not as a substitute for the richness of the human experience. In doing so, we honor both the legacy of the ancient world, where the balance between body and mind was the pursuit of wisdom, and the innovations of the present day, which have brought us closer to the full potential of our humanity. May we be conscious of how we wield our power, using it to enhance, rather than diminish, our true selves.