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Trans-Humanism in America has become a widely discussed concept, with several key references in mainstream media, celebrity culture, and entertainment. The term, Transhumanism, is a philosophical and intellectual movement that advocates for the use of advanced technology i.e., genetic engineering, artificial intelligence, brain-computer interfaces, and nanotechnology, to enhance the human condition particularly extending human life span. Human technology inventions also includes plastic surgery, beauty products and cosmetics which is highlighted in entertainment industries. Celebrity culture and the wellness industry have always intertwined beauty products with entertainment, but the economic future of wellness technology is a major investment opportunity for many. 

We’ve indulged in entertaining films & series that explore the ideas of transhumanism i.e., The Matrix, I Am Robot, Ghost in the Shell, where themes of human-technology merging and digital immortality are central as sensationalized imagery of robot humans. However, advocates also discuss a specific diet, supplements and minimal internal chips as the practices they endure. Tech moguls i.e., Elon Musk (who discusses artificial intelligence and human enhancement through ventures like Neuralink) and Ray Kurzweil (author of The Singularity Is Near) have popularized transhumanist ideas in the public eye. Along with Jack Dorsey, Twitter co-founder, has openly discussed his attempts to "hack" his body to achieve optimal health, including a strict diet, fasting, and other biohacking practices. While not directly involved in transhumanism, his advocacy for optimizing human potential aligns with some transhumanist principles.

Recently on an episode of The Kardashians on Hulu, Bryan Johnson met with Kardashian family to discuss his diet and scientific technology investments to elongate his life span. Bryan Johnson is the founder of Kernel, a company focused on developing brain-computer interface technology, is also deeply involved in anti-aging research. He’s also the founder of Venmo, a cash transfer app similar to PayPal and Remitly.  He has invested heavily in longevity and life extension technologies, going so far as to create a regimented, highly controlled lifestyle aimed at slowing his aging process, which includes a combination of diet, exercise, and scientific interventions.

The Kardashians, one of America’s most popular families, showcasing transhumanist interest on their show can fly under the radar as a quirky scene but it’s quite politically poignant to advertise this phenomenon. From a consumer perspective, The Kardashians exude wealth, beauty and fitness as their brands, so Kim Kardashian showing high interest in anti-aging regimens from Bryan Johnson is humorously in alignment with the elitism of wellness products. 

Wellness, self-care, beauty and plastic surgery are becoming one conglomerate in regards to ‘anti-aging’ practices. Some consumers desire anti-aging in a natural sense of veganism, others engage in anti-aging via plastic surgery or non-surgical cosmetic procedures i.e., botox, fillers. There’s also a consumer demographic that engage in the beauty of ‘anti-aging’ via makeup products i.e., foundation, eyeliners, blush, etc. Today, if you are driving through the Beverly Hills or Calabasas areas of Southern California, you will notice how cosmetic centers with botox, fillers or rhinoplasties are titled as wellness centers or beauty spas which alludes to the merging of beauty or wellness to become synonymous with anti-aging human technology.  

Companies like Neuralink (for brain-computer interfaces) and Calico (a Google-backed company focused on aging) embody the transhumanist agenda in practical, innovative ways. AI technology and bioengineering corporations with public trading stocks have also enticed many stock traders i.e., Ian Dunlap, who teaches his supporters how to invest in tech stocks. Dorsey, Musk and Johnson happen to be a part of the .01% of millionaires or billionaires who all have high investment interests in bioengineering companies despite the fact that neither of the three are bioengineers, doctors or nutritionists. 

Transhumanism often sparks ethical debates regarding the nature of humanity, inequality, and the potential for a technological divide between those who can afford enhancements and those who cannot. Leading to the concept that poor people will continue to perish early, while those of elite status will live longer. Along with this research, scientists are also engaging in medicines or technologies that can cure diseases which allows many bioengineering companies to receive subsidies from the government and support from other medical institutions. 

Overall, transhumanism is increasingly part of American public discourse, influencing everything from scientific research to cultural conversations around technology, identity, and ethics.

Sources: 

1. The Singularity Is Near" by Ray Kurzweil  

2. Homo Deus: A Brief History of Tomorrow" by Yuval Noah Harari 

3. Posthumanism: A Critical Analysis" by Stephen L. Tucker 

4. Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization" by Scott Barry Kaufman  

5. The Age of Em: Work, Love, and Life when Robots Rule the Earth" by Robin Hanson  

6. The Transhumanist Reader: Classical and Contemporary Essays on the Science, Technology, and Philosophy of the Human Future" edited by Max More and Natasha Vita-More  

7. The Future of Humanity: Terraforming Mars, Interstellar Travel, Immortality, and Our Destiny Beyond Earth" by Michio Kaku 

8. Beyond Human: From Animal to Metahuman" by Gregory L. B. B.