> Cybernetics Cybernetics are artificial, mechanical or biological extensions or replacement for a person's body. A person with cybernetic parts is called a Cyborg. Cyborgs should not be confused with androids, which are wholly artificial bodies classified as synthentic-lifeforms-as-maltech. Mechanical cybernetics are relatively common in most civilized systems, and enable significant improvements to the living standards of persons in need of prosthetics or organ replacements. They are also sometimes used to extend the natural ability of humans, for specialized work or for enthusiasts, but this can be a fine balance of the utility of having potentially bulky hardware integrated into one's body at all times, against using external equipment to the same effect. Biological cybernetics are artificial body parts made out of engineered living or near-living tissue, and generally integrate much more organically into the body. They are rarer than the simpler mechanical cybernetics, and more expensive, but available in some systems.
> Brain editing Maltech The direct access, copying, editing, of direct brain data is declared as illegal as Maltech, independent of what means the access is facilitated by, be it bio-mechanical or psionic. Due to this limitation, cybernetic implants need to be hooked up to the central nervous system in very specific ways that let the user interface with them, and learn to use them, but does not expand the total interfacing surface area of the brain.
> Maltech, Cognition Hazards A brain is just a computer, the software of which is modified every moment of our lives as we grow, learn and expand our knowledge and skills. Our experiences then inform how our brains decide that we make decisions, act and feel. Similar to a computer, “software” can be architected for the brain to be self propagating patterns of thoughts, convictions and behaviour. We generally call the study of these self propagating patterns for Memetics. Most memes are harmless or even beneficial; in-jokes, cultural touchstones, and social norms are all memes. Some memes are counter to imperial interests and are therefore regulated. Whilst not inherently dangerous to an individual, these memes are dangers to the collective. However, memes that can unwittingly “install” themselves in one's brain and be immediately hazardous to the person and their surroundings, are considered Memetic cognition hazards. Memetic cognition hazards are very intricate, and consequently vulnerable systems. It is therefore usually possible to disrupt an active cognition hazard. The variation between individual brains makes it hard to predict who might be more or less susceptible to a specific cognition hazard. - Cognition hazards can have several vectors of transmission: - Speech/Writing - Visual Images - Auditory sounds - Computer Brain Interfaces - Psionic transference Whilst Memetic cognition hazards are incredibly hard to manufacture, the risk of accidentally creating or propagating a cognition hazard has been used to argue for the banning of all direct copying or modification of a person's experience, memory, or skills through mechanical brain/computer interfaces or psionic means as maltech. Avoiding Cognition Hazards Modern computer systems are designed to hinder cognition hazards from propagating through information sent through them. If, however, you suspect you have received an active cognition hazard in a computer system, do not look at, listen to, connect to or interact with that system. Power the system down if possible, quarantine the system and yourself to the best of your ability, and contact your nearest Anti Memetics- or Maltech authority. If you suspect you are in an area where cognition hazards might be found in the physical environment, immediately limit your senses to those absolutely necessary for you to leave the area, and then attempt to do so. Once clear of the suspected area, quarantine yourself to the best of your ability and contact your nearest Anti Memetics- or Maltech authority. Identifying and Disrupting a Cognition Hazard in another person If you observe a person having a drastic change in personality, mannerism, or goals, becoming unresponsive, unconscious, or disappearing, after looking at an image, hearing a sound, or interfacing with a computer system; they might be suffering from an active Cognition Hazard. Do not expose yourself to the apparent source of the Cognition Hazard, and notify your nearest Anti Memetics- or Maltech authority immediately. If no authority is available, you may attempt to disrupt the cognition hazard by inflicting sharp pain to the person. If that yields no result, talk them through the various methods of disruption described under the next header. Remember; even if they seem unresponsive, delusional, or have disappeared, they might still be able to hear you! Identifying and Disrupting a Cognition Hazard in yourself If you find yourself suddenly somewhere unfamiliar, amnestic, or confused after looking at an image, hearing a sound, or interfacing with a computer system, you might be experiencing an active cognition hazard. Remember that you are in control, and able to disrupt the cognition hazard through finding the correct counter thought pattern. Remember your training, and start visualizing various return patterns until you find one that seems to affect the cognition hazard. Then iterate on the pattern until you find one that stops the cognition hazard. If visual return patterns do not work, proceed to auditory return patterns, and abstract return patterns. Cognition patterns have near-infinite solutions for return patterns, you just have to find one of them. Once you manage to disrupt the cognition hazard, immediately inform any other persons at risk of exposure to the cognition hazard of the return pattern that worked, and immediately quarantine yourself and contact your nearest Anti Memetics- or Maltech authority. Psionic Intersectionality Some Cognition Hazards target specifically persons of Metadimensional Extroversion Syndrome. Considering how MES causes a personto be able to psychically affect the world around them, these Cognition Hazards can be incredibly dangerous. Other Cognition Hazards can induce MES like states in otherwise healthy brains.