HEOS Degree of Merger Index (DOM)
Quantifying the Extent of Human-Machine Integration

Quantifying the Extent of Human-Machine Integration
Current HEOS Degree of Merger Index (DOM):
197.51 (out of 1,000)
Overview
The HEOS Degree of Merger Index (DOM) provides a nuanced measurement of the extent to which humans are integrating with machines across physical, cognitive, and emotional domains. Unlike binary measures, the DOM Index captures the incremental degrees of merger, reflecting partial enhancements and the average level of technological integration within the population.
Purpose of the HEOS DOM Index
- Detailed Measurement: Quantifies the varying degrees of human-machine integration rather than a simple merged/not-merged classification.
- Comprehensive Understanding: Considers partial enhancements and widespread technological use to provide a more accurate picture.
- Guidance for Stakeholders: Offers valuable insights for researchers, businesses, and policymakers on the progression of technological integration.
Components of the HEOS DOM Index
The DOM Index evaluates the degree of merger in three primary domains:
Physical Merger
- Prosthetics and Implants
- Wearable Technology
- Biometric Implants
- Exoskeletons
Cognitive Merger
- Delegation of Cognitive Tasks to AI
- Use of AI Personal Assistants
- Neural Implants
Emotional Merger
- Use of Emotional Management Devices
- Pharmacological Emotional Management
Assumptions
- Incremental Scoring: Each technology contributes to the overall index based on its adoption rate and the average degree of enhancement or delegation it provides.
- Population Impact: Calculations consider the proportion of the global population engaging with each technology.
- Index Scale: The DOM Index is scaled from 0 to 1,000 to provide clarity and granularity.
- Data Sources: Utilizes the most recent and reliable data available from reputable sources.
Calculation of the HEOS DOM Index
1. Physical Merger Contribution
a. Prosthetics and Implants
- Users: Approximately 3 million prosthetic users.
- Average Physical Enhancement: Estimated at 1% per user.
- Population Impact: (3,000,000×1%)/8,000,000,000=0.000375%(3,000,000 \times 1\%) / 8,000,000,000 = 0.000375\%(3,000,000×1%)/8,000,000,000=0.000375%
- Index Points: 0.000375%×1,000=0.003750.000375\% \times 1,000 = 0.003750.000375%×1,000=0.00375 points.
b. Wearable Technology
- Users: Approximately 1.1 billion devices in use.
- Average Physical Enhancement: Estimated at 5% per user (monitoring and augmenting health functions).
- Population Impact: (1,100,000,000×5%)/8,000,000,000=6.875%(1,100,000,000 \times 5\%) / 8,000,000,000 = 6.875\%(1,100,000,000×5%)/8,000,000,000=6.875%
- Index Points: 6.875%×1,000=68.756.875\% \times 1,000 = 68.756.875%×1,000=68.75 points.
c. Biometric Implants
- Users: Approximately 20,000 individuals.
- Average Physical Enhancement: Estimated at 2% per user.
- Population Impact: (20,000×2%)/8,000,000,000=0.0000005%(20,000 \times 2\%) / 8,000,000,000 = 0.0000005\%(20,000×2%)/8,000,000,000=0.0000005%
- Index Points: 0.0000005%×1,000=0.0000050.0000005\% \times 1,000 = 0.0000050.0000005%×1,000=0.000005 points.
d. Exoskeletons
- Users: Approximately 10,000 units sold.
- Average Physical Enhancement: Estimated at 10% per user.
- Population Impact: (10,000×10%)/8,000,000,000=0.0000125%(10,000 \times 10\%) / 8,000,000,000 = 0.0000125\%(10,000×10%)/8,000,000,000=0.0000125%
- Index Points: 0.0000125%×1,000=0.0001250.0000125\% \times 1,000 = 0.0001250.0000125%×1,000=0.000125 points.
Total Physical Merger Contribution: 0.00375+68.75+0.000005+0.000125=68.753880.00375 + 68.75 + 0.000005 + 0.000125 = 68.753880.00375+68.75+0.000005+0.000125=68.75388 points.
2. Cognitive Merger Contribution
a. Delegation of Cognitive Tasks to AI
- Users: Approximately 2 billion AI assistant users.
- Average Cognitive Delegation: Estimated at 5% per user.
- Population Impact: (2,000,000,000×5%)/8,000,000,000=12.5%(2,000,000,000 \times 5\%) / 8,000,000,000 = 12.5\%(2,000,000,000×5%)/8,000,000,000=12.5%
- Index Points: 12.5%×1,000=12512.5\% \times 1,000 = 12512.5%×1,000=125 points.
b. Neural Implants
- Users: Approximately 887,000 (DBS and cochlear implants).
- Average Cognitive Enhancement: Estimated at 2% per user.
- Population Impact: (887,000×2%)/8,000,000,000=0.000022175%(887,000 \times 2\%) / 8,000,000,000 = 0.000022175\%(887,000×2%)/8,000,000,000=0.000022175%
- Index Points: 0.000022175%×1,000=0.000221750.000022175\% \times 1,000 = 0.000221750.000022175%×1,000=0.00022175 points.
Total Cognitive Merger Contribution: 125+0.00022175=125.00022175125 + 0.00022175 = 125.00022175125+0.00022175=125.00022175 points.
3. Emotional Merger Contribution
a. Emotional Management Devices
- Users: Approximately 100,000 VNS device users.
- Average Emotional Management: Estimated at 10% per user.
- Population Impact: (100,000×10%)/8,000,000,000=0.000125%(100,000 \times 10\%) / 8,000,000,000 = 0.000125\%(100,000×10%)/8,000,000,000=0.000125%
- Index Points: 0.000125%×1,000=0.001250.000125\% \times 1,000 = 0.001250.000125%×1,000=0.00125 points.
b. Pharmacological Emotional Management
- Users: Approximately 300 million antidepressant users.
- Average Emotional Management: Estimated at 10% per user.
- Population Impact: (300,000,000×10%)/8,000,000,000=0.375%(300,000,000 \times 10\%) / 8,000,000,000 = 0.375\%(300,000,000×10%)/8,000,000,000=0.375%
- Index Points: 0.375%×1,000=3.750.375\% \times 1,000 = 3.750.375%×1,000=3.75 points.
Total Emotional Merger Contribution: 0.00125+3.75=3.751250.00125 + 3.75 = 3.751250.00125+3.75=3.75125 points.
Total HEOS DOM Index Calculation
Summing Contributions:
- Physical Merger: 68.75388 points
- Cognitive Merger: 125.00022175 points
- Emotional Merger: 3.75125 points
Total DOM Index Value:
Total Points: 68.75388+125.00022175+3.75125=197.5053517568.75388 + 125.00022175 + 3.75125 = 197.5053517568.75388+125.00022175+3.75125=197.50535175
Rounded Total: Approximately 197.51 (out of 1,000)
Interpretation
- Current State: The HEOS DOM Index of 197.51 suggests that humanity is approximately 19.75% along the continuum of merging with machines, based on the degree of integration.
- Dominant Contributor:
- Cognitive Merger: Leading with 125 points, mainly due to the widespread use of AI personal assistants and the delegation of cognitive tasks.
- Significant Contributor:
- Physical Merger: Contributing 68.75 points, primarily from the high adoption of wearable technology.
- Emerging Contributor:
- Emotional Merger: Contributing 3.75 points, indicating early stages of artificial emotional management.
Assumptions and Limitations
- Estimates: Average enhancement percentages are estimated due to variability in individual usage.
- Overlap in Users: Some individuals may be counted in multiple categories; however, their contributions are proportionally weighted.
- Data Currency: Data is accurate as of September 2023; changes in adoption rates may affect the index.
- Simplifications: The model simplifies complex human-machine interactions into quantifiable percentages.
Sources and References
AI Personal Assistants
- Statista: Digital Voice Assistants in Use
Wearable Technology
- Statista: Connected Wearable Devices Worldwide
Prosthetics and Implants
- World Health Organization: Assistive Technology Facts
Neural Implants
- Medtronic: Deep Brain Stimulation Therapy
- NIDCD: Cochlear Implants
Biometric Implants
- BBC News: Microchip Implants
Exoskeleton Usage
- ABI Research: Exoskeleton Market Data
Emotional Management Devices
- LivaNova: Vagus Nerve Stimulation Therapy
Pharmacological Emotional Management
- World Health Organization: Depression Statistics
World Population Data
- United Nations: World Population Prospects
Understanding the HEOS DOM Index
The DOM Index provides a more granular view of the human-machine merger by considering partial enhancements and average levels of integration. It acknowledges that while few individuals have fully merged with machines, many have partially integrated technologies into their lives.
- Cognitive Integration: The reliance on AI assistants reflects a significant delegation of cognitive functions.
- Physical Integration: Wearables and prosthetics indicate physical augmentation, even if minimal per individual.
- Emotional Integration: Use of devices and medications for emotional regulation represents the early stages of artificial emotional management.
Why the HEOS DOM Index Matters
- Captures Nuance: Reflects the gradual and partial nature of technological integration.
- Informs Stakeholders: Helps businesses, researchers, and policymakers understand the depth of integration.
- Tracks Progression: Monitors changes over time, highlighting areas of rapid advancement or stagnation.
- Guides Ethical Considerations: Raises awareness of the implications of incremental enhancements.
Future Outlook
- Increasing Integration: Anticipate growth in the DOM Index as technologies become more advanced and widely adopted.
- Data Refinement: Improved data collection will enhance the accuracy of the index.
- Technological Advancements: Emerging technologies may introduce new components to the index.
Get Involved
- Stay Updated: Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest DOM Index updates.
- Participate: Share your experiences with technological integration through surveys.
- Engage: Join discussions on our forums and social media platforms.
Disclaimer
The HEOS DOM Index is based on available data up to September 2023. While we strive for accuracy, the index may be affected by data limitations and rapid technological changes.