Frankenstein Syndrome: What Is The Threat?

Frankenstein syndrome is the fear that a creation made by humans will turn against its creator and destroy humanity. Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel Frankenstein illustrates this concept. At the end of the book, the monster says to Victor Frankenstein: “You are my creator, but I am your master.” His monster turns to the doctor and destroys him.

The literary character Frankenstein is the monster who inherited only the creator’s surname. He is made of human body parts, born unnaturally against his will, and forced to live in a world that rejects him. That’s where Frankenstein’s syndrome came from.

Frankenstein Syndrome: When Your Creation Rebels You

In Shelley’s novel, Dr. Frankenstein tries to “play God”. As a consequence, his initial goals take a detour and he ends up doing something much bigger than simply creating and maintaining life. Today, the name “Frankenstein” is a symbol of science that has taken a detour and is on its way to unknown areas, exploring things that can end life as we know it.

It is no secret that new genetic manipulations and cloning technology have created great controversy in recent decades. Society is indeed becoming increasingly aware of these changes and technological advances. Regardless, it is still difficult to get used to this constant change and the opportunities that the future brings.

We humans often reject things that are new, especially when they affect us directly. The existence of technology that manages to modify human genes is terrible for some. It makes them feel uncertain about what might happen to these creatures in the future.

Cloning

When scientists managed to clone the Dolly sheep, the debate about the possibilities of human cloning opened up. From a technical standpoint, it is probably possible. However, there are some serious questions about the ethics of human cloning. The first experiment with human cloning was rejected by politicians and religious figures around the world.

Nevertheless, the researchers who experimented defended their work by claiming that it was only for therapeutic applications. They claimed that they were not trying to create a human being. Most people in the scientific community say that therapeutic cloning is acceptable because it can potentially cure chronic diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and diabetes.

Genetic manipulation and Frankenstein syndrome

Genetics is one of the sciences that has made the most progress in recent years. Experts in evolution and genetics believe that we must differentiate between genetic engineering to cure diseases or genetic engineering to “improve the human race”.

It is quite clear that genetic manipulation is not one hundred percent safe. However, the genetic modifications that researchers have made to a number of species have almost always sought to improve their quality of life. Researchers will use it to fight disease, find food or other basic products, or improve scientific knowledge.

Technological advances

Technophobia refers to frightening concepts such as “cyber war”, machines that take over our lives, lack of privacy on social media, etc. Fear of change is human. You get used to living in one way, and suddenly everything changes and the rules are different. The good thing is that people are adaptable and can get used to all kinds of changes whenever they want.

Technological advances are a part of our lives. It is obviously important to mention that these advances are not always perfect. Sometimes the fear of new opportunities is completely justified as we never know whose hands this technology will end up in. With that said, we most likely do not have to worry about Frankenstein Syndrome right now.