Genetic Independence, and all that such may imply

[betweener]

ive been browsing around in this section of PA, and a line of thought comes to me that with such groundbreaking medical discoveries of all kinds (ironically, away from and separate from the ordained mainstream of society), there may come a point where earthling humans as a species will have full ability to, both as individuals and as a species, plot their own genetic course.

thus, like children growing up, the external species, be they good or evil (or benign-progressive or mael-aggressive, if one prefers) will have to come to terms that, like it or not, earthlings may eventually be able to choose their own genetic forms. (as a species, and/or more individually.)

now, delving into abit of the cyberpunk, this means that, on the grand scale of things, earth humans may eventually be able to modify themselves to suit particular appearances, capabilities, and/or environments, and have those changes installed into the genetic code of both themselves, and most likely, also their children, should procreation happen.

what are your opinions on this, and what do you estimate will happen in the future with regard to the use/abuse of medical technology, that would enhance or change humans from or beyond what they are now ?

[GreenGuy]

Sounds a lot like GMO to me, with all that implies. Cool basis for a sci-fi flick, though.

[Fairy Friend]

Research means we don't know what will happen. Yet we do it anyway. We discover new things, often the hard way. Fairy Friend

[betweener]

Sounds a lot like GMO to me, with all that implies. Cool basis for a sci-fi flick, though.

irony - what people are told to think of as sci-fi, is usually science fact. Reality is not what people are told it is.

[GaelVictor]

If and when the practical means of altering the genes of yourself becomes available to the mainstream, either through medical or underground channels, it would be quite the novelty.
At first it would be used for health and beauty, intelligence and charisma enhancements. Later, when more technology is ''released'' it would give the tools for numerous work related add-on's, a body that likes space travel etc.
There would be contra movement add-on's that will make it out of the underground and become main stream fashion etc.
It will be adopted like new means of expressing yourself, who you want to be or want to become, and there lies it's limit, as to what gene activation/shutdown/re-sequencing can do for a human;

It can alter our experience in this universe, it can not make you a better human inside, you have to do that all by yourself.