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" (

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. The dangerous implication of this technology, well known to Morpheus already, is that the line between the virtual world and the real world disappears. Morpheus states, "How would you know the real world, from a dream?" (The Matrix). Robinett fails to acknowledge the possibility that the technology, originally intended to help the disabled, is also useful to criminals. Who is there to monitor that the replacement for sight or sound is indeed the intended replacement? Hackers could easily fake audio and visual transmissions so you see exactly what they want you to see. Take a night watchman for example, who has had his sight enhanced by night vision goggles that are radio linked to security cameras. All a hacker has to do to rob the bank is transmit normal video loop to those goggles on the exact same frequency while stopping the cameras from making their transmission. Instantly money is in the hands of those who do not deserve it.

Replacing sight with electro

Some topics in this essay:
Matrix Robinett, Digital Surround, Human Perception, Agents Matrix, Warren Robinett, human perception, fool senses, natural senses, subliminal messages, sight sound, technology available, real world, vision goggles,