In recent discussions, a controversial perspective on the emerging “internet of beings” has arisen, particularly within the context of health and medicine. This concept raises significant concerns, especially regarding the implications for individual privacy and the integrity of our health systems. It is crucial for experts in medical science, such as KLG, IM Doc, and Ignacio, to share their insights on what appears to be a troubling trend, particularly for those entrepreneurs driven by the pursuit of profit through miracle cures.
The term “internet of beings” serves as an alarming signal, reminiscent of the outdated phrase “coalition of the willing.” The potential consequences of integrating digital technology with our bodies should not be taken lightly. Many have experienced device failures or the hacking of systems designed for everyday tasks. Imagine facing similar vulnerabilities concerning your own health. Would you want to be subjected to malicious breaches concerning your physical being, as troubling as those involving your car or home already are?
This misguided notion is also evident in the recent emphasis on constant health monitoring, heavily promoted by figures like RFK Jr. Ironically, the Surgeon General associated with him is an investor in a continuous blood glucose monitoring startup. KLG highlighted research that challenges the premise behind these devices, showing that individual glucose responses to identical meals can vary significantly from day to day.
Some of these radical ideas include prescribing medications and adjusting dosages daily based on minute changes in monitoring data. However, the human body is equipped with numerous complex systems designed to cope with daily fluctuations, whether from environmental stressors or underlying illnesses. The medical culture in Australia, for instance, generally leans towards careful observation and cautious treatment, contrasting markedly with the immediate actions often seen in the U.S.
Moreover, these monitoring devices are likely to invade patients’ privacy, exposing habits related to smoking, drinking, eating, and even personal relationships.
By Francesco Grillo, Academic Fellow, Department of Social and Political Sciences, Bocconi University. Originally published at The Conversation
The concept of miniaturized medical technologies gained traction in popular culture with the 1966 film Fantastic Voyage, where a crew shrinks down to navigate inside a human body. Though initially conceived as fantasy, the idea of sophisticated sensors entering our bodies to connect us to the internet represents a potential turning point in medical advancements.
This “internet of beings” could signify the third stage of the internet’s evolution, following the connections established among computers and everyday objects. Recent gatherings of scientists in Dubai, at an event called Prototypes for Humanity, suggest that this vision is rapidly becoming technologically viable, with profound implications for individuals and societies.
While the thought of digitizing human bodies can spark inspiring visions, it simultaneously stirs fears. Tech moguls dream of eternal life, while cybersecurity experts warn that the risks of body hacking far exceed those currently confronting us. My upcoming book, Internet of Beings, outlines three significant repercussions of this technology.
First, continuous health monitoring may facilitate early disease detection, enabling interventions before conditions worsen. The costs of treatment often far exceed those of prevention. Enhanced tracking systems could lead to less invasive health management through lifestyle adjustments rather than a reliance on medications.
For example, in the United States, approximately 170,000 of the yearly 805,000 heart attacks are “silent,” meaning individuals often fail to recognize their symptoms.
Second, these sensors—more accurately described as biorobots—may soon not only monitor health but also actively promote healing. They could dispense medications like aspirin when blood clots are detected or activate vaccines in response to viral threats.
The progress made in mRNA vaccines during the COVID pandemic may have opened new avenues. Advances in gene editing techniques might even create biorobots capable of performing microsurgery, utilizing protein-based “scissors” to repair damaged DNA.
Thirdly, the processes of medical research and drug discovery will undergo a transformative shift. Currently, scientists test out a series of hypotheses regarding potential treatments, necessitating lengthy and costly trials. But in the age of the internet of beings, big data will help uncover patterns that identify solutions for specific problems, enabling a reverse approach to understand these treatments swiftly and accurately.
Radical Transformations
The era of one-size-fits-all medicine is already fading, but the internet of beings offers the potential for much deeper individualization. Patients could receive personalized daily advice concerning medication adjustments based on subtle changes like temperature and sleep patterns.
The organization of medical research will also see a significant overhaul. Copious amounts of data from individuals living their lives naturally might reveal unexpected correlations, such as the influence of walking habits on headaches or intricate connections between different bodily systems.
Current research often focuses on isolated diseases or organs, but this could evolve towards utilizing more complex “digital twins,” which are real-time virtual models of an individual’s biological functions. These simulations will enable researchers to test treatments, forecast bodily responses, and explore potential health issues long before they manifest, fundamentally altering our understanding of life sciences.
While some transhumanists may aspire to conquer aging, the real goal should be more pragmatic: ensuring that healthcare is accessible to all, preserving the NHS in the UK, curing cancers, extending aid to underserved nations, and contributing to healthier lifespans for all.
However, the specter of losing our humanity in the course of body digitization looms large. The internet of beings presents one of the most compelling opportunities technology has to offer, yet it demands a cautious examination as we navigate this new landscape. We are returning to a journey reminiscent of the optimistic explorations of the 1960s, but this time, the territory we are about to traverse is our own humanity.
This article was commissioned in conjunction with the Professors’ Programme, part of Prototypes for Humanity, a global initiative aimed at showcasing and advancing academic innovation to address social and environmental challenges. The Conversation is the media partner of Prototypes for Humanity 2025.
