Enhanced Senses

Ever wished you could see like a snake or hear like a bat? Welcome to the future of sensory augmentation, where humans can perceive the world in ways we never thought possible. Thanks to advances in technology and gene editing, we’re on the brink of a sensory revolution that will make your five senses feel like a bargain bin special.

Imagine the applications: in healthcare, doctors could see infrared to detect diseases before they become serious. In security, guards could hear ultrasound to pick up on threats that are currently undetectable. And in creative industries, artists could create masterpieces that play with light and sound in entirely new ways. It’s like giving your senses a superhero upgrade.

But hold onto your sunglasses, because this sensory enhancement comes with some serious ethical concerns. What about privacy? Imagine if someone could see your body heat signature through walls or hear your conversations from a mile away. Suddenly, hiding from the in-laws becomes a lot more challenging. And what about over-reliance on these enhanced senses? What if we become so dependent on them that we lose our natural sensory abilities?

Then there’s the societal divide. What happens when some people can afford to augment their senses while others can’t? We could end up with a world where the sensory haves and have-nots are separated by more than just bank accounts. It’s like creating a real-life caste system based on who can see infrared and who can’t.

And let’s not forget the challenge of training and adapting to these new sensory inputs. Our brains are used to processing information from five senses, but what happens when we add a sixth or seventh? It’s like trying to learn a new language, except this language is made of colors you’ve never seen and sounds you’ve never heard. Mind-blowing, right?

Now, think about the cultural impacts. Art, music, and communication could be revolutionised. Imagine paintings that can only be fully appreciated with infrared vision or symphonies that include ultrasound notes. It’s like opening up a whole new dimension of human expression. But what about those who can’t perceive these new forms of art? Will they be left out of the cultural conversation?

As we stand on the brink of this sensory revolution, we have to ask ourselves: are we ready for a world where humans can see infrared and hear ultrasound? How will we navigate the ethical, societal, and cultural challenges that come with it? And most importantly, what new senses would you choose to augment?

TPEX offers future imagining and tenth person consultancy for decision makers looking to consider the future, before opportunities are missed. We offer online and in-person consultancy to help your business make informed decisions about the future.

• Start Now
• Learn More
• Output