Viral implantation of chips under the skin on the example of Sweden

2024 Author: Seth Attwood | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 15:55

Thousands of Swedes have voluntarily implanted microchips into their bodies that can function as contactless credit cards, keys and travel passes.

Once the chip is under your skin, you no longer need to worry about losing your credit card or carrying a heavy wallet with you. However, for many people the idea of implanting a microchip in their body seems more of a dystopia than a dream come true.

Some argue that the reason for this recent trend is probably Sweden's high wealth. But in reality, the factors explaining why roughly 3,500 Swedes have opted for such microchips are more complex than one might expect.

This phenomenon reflects the unique biohacking environment in Sweden. If you take a deeper look at the problem, the Swedes' addiction to all kinds of digital gadgets goes much further than these microchips.

The term "biohackers" is used to refer to amateur biologists who conduct experiments in biomedicine, but do so outside of traditional institutions, such as universities, medical companies and other scientifically controlled structures. Similar to how computer hackers break into someone else's servers, biohackers hack biological systems.

Biohacking is also a culture, and a diverse one, with many subgroups, each of which has its own range of interests, goals and even ideology. However, with all the diversity, there are two main groups: vet hackers and transhumanists.

The first category includes amateur biologists who create laboratory equipment from household utensils. They practice what is called "Lean Science", finding low-cost solutions that are designed to improve the standard of living of people in developing countries.

However, they also conduct more frivolous experiments, such as genetically modifying plants to make them fluorescent, or using algae to make new beers.

Another group is transhumanists, who are focused primarily on strengthening and improving the human body, with the ultimate goal of improving the human breed. They are convinced that only by improving themselves and going beyond the original biological limitations, people will be able to compete with artificial intelligence in the future.

Often, the situation in the field of biohacking reflects the characteristics of society and the culture that develops in it. For example, European biohackers tend to differ from their North American counterparts. American groups are developing alternatives to established healthcare practices. Meanwhile, European biohackers are more focused on finding ways to help people in poor countries or participating in various artistic bioprojects.

Swedes virally implant microchips under their skin

Thousands of Swedes have voluntarily implanted microchips into their bodies that can function as contactless credit cards, keys and travel passes.

Once the chip is under your skin, you no longer need to worry about losing your credit card or carrying a heavy wallet with you. However, for many people the idea of implanting a microchip in their body seems more of a dystopia than a dream come true.

Some argue that the reason for this recent trend is probably Sweden's high wealth. But in reality, the factors explaining why roughly 3,500 Swedes have opted for such microchips are more complex than one might expect.

This phenomenon reflects the unique biohacking environment in Sweden. If you take a deeper look at the problem, the Swedes' addiction to all kinds of digital gadgets goes much further than these microchips.

The term "biohackers" is used to refer to amateur biologists who conduct experiments in biomedicine, but do so outside of traditional institutions, such as universities, medical companies and other scientifically controlled structures. Similar to how computer hackers break into someone else's servers, biohackers hack biological systems.

Biohacking is also a culture, and a diverse one, with many subgroups, each of which has its own range of interests, goals and even ideology. However, with all the diversity, there are two main groups: vet hackers and transhumanists.

The first category includes amateur biologists who create laboratory equipment from household utensils. They practice what is called "Lean Science", finding low-cost solutions that are designed to improve the standard of living of people in developing countries.

However, they also conduct more frivolous experiments, such as genetically modifying plants to make them fluorescent, or using algae to make new beers.

Another group is transhumanists, who are focused primarily on strengthening and improving the human body, with the ultimate goal of improving the human breed. They are convinced that only by improving themselves and going beyond the original biological limitations, people will be able to compete with artificial intelligence in the future.

Often, the situation in the field of biohacking reflects the characteristics of society and the culture that develops in it. For example, European biohackers tend to differ from their North American counterparts. American groups are developing alternatives to established healthcare practices. Meanwhile, European biohackers are more focused on finding ways to help people in poor countries or participating in various artistic bioprojects.

It should be emphasized that the Swedish biohacking culture is different from the rest of Europe. Most Swedish biohackers belong to the transhumanist movement. It is the transhumanists, or more specifically the subgroup that calls themselves "grinders", who insert thousands of Swedes NFC chips that replace credit cards under their skin between the thumb and forefinger. These are the same microchips that have been used for decades to track the migration routes of animals or the movement of postal items.

So why are the Swedes so willing to offer their bodies for microchip implantation? One theory is that they are more likely to share personal data due to the structure of the national social security system.

However, this myth about a “naive Swede” who unconditionally trusts the government and national institutions is an exaggeration, which was even highlighted by the Swedish Foreign Ministry. If this can be considered an explanation, it is certainly not exhaustive.

More convincing is the fact that people in Sweden have a lot of trust in digital technology. Most Swedes are deeply convinced of their positive potential. Over the past two decades, the Swedish government has invested heavily in technology infrastructure - and this has left a mark. The Swedish economy today relies heavily on digital exports, digital services and digital technology.

Sweden has become one of the most successful countries in the world in creating and exporting digital products. Renowned companies such as Skype and Spotify were founded in Sweden, and belief in digital technology and its potential has greatly influenced Swedish culture. And the transhumanist movement is based on this foundation. In fact, Sweden has played an important role in shaping the global transhumanist ideology.

The global transhumanist organization Humanity + was founded by the Swede Nik Bostrom in 1998. Since then, many Swedes have become convinced that they should try to improve their biological bodies.

While the whole world is overwhelmed by the number of people undergoing microchip implantation in Sweden, we should take this opportunity to delve deeper into the amazing attitude of Swedes towards everything related to digital technology. After all, this phenomenon is just one of the many expressions of deep faith in progress that makes Sweden a completely unique country.