Cyborg Babies: From Techno-Sex to Techno-Tots

The editors of this anthology and the writers featured here use the term cyborg seriously. They do not, however, use it in its science fiction sense. As defined here, we are all cyborgs to the extent that we are not merely using technology but have become dependent, perhaps codependent, upon it. The anthology examines the role high technology now plays in the development of our children, from technology-based conception to the technological toys children play with. The contributions cover a wide range of philosophies, from those who find current trends alarming to those who consider recent developments a great boon for all humanity.

All agree, though, that technology has caused--or at least paved the way for--serious social changes in the way children are conceived, gestated, born, and raised. The writers look not only at how technology has changed the processes but how it has shaped our views of childbirth and childcare. Technologies addressed range from artificial insemination to the use of ultrasound and even teddy bears that comfort a baby with the sounds of the womb. The range of philosophies explored is equally wide. Emily Martin, for example, looks at the medical metaphors for mothers' bodies in her essay "The Fetus as Intruder," while Mizuko Ito examines simulation games and destructive impulses. With many diverse perspectives here, it's unlikely that you'll agree with everything you read, but you'll certainly find much worth thinking about. --Elizabeth Lewis