Why did Data want to be Human?

[CommanderRaytas]

There are humans who have problems getting a hold of their emotions. Not everyone is the same, even amongst humanity. Trying to become more than the sum of your parts is one thing; trying to be something you're not is quite another. He wasn't human, and that should have been okay. You shouldn't try to change what you are.

[T'Preea]

Of course, I can understand why Data would want to be human. For instance, we have feelings and experiences that he will never have. It's not that he's lacking, not at all; but he has that curiosity that will never be sated such as what it's like to laugh, cry; have an emotional response to the moving chords of a song, or to even taste what he eats or drinks. It's not that he's unhappy with who he is, he's just wanting to experience the little things that we as humans so often take for granted.

[Tiberius]

The Borg Queen wrote:

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Surely trying to be Vulcan would have been more suitable for Data, right?

He can Logic with the best of them and doesn't have to concern himself with trying to understand emotions.

Trying to emulate a person is all well and good, but why a Human person specifically? Is it solely because Soong was a Human?

From a production point of view, it was so the writers could use Data as a way to explore facets of Humanity in a way that allowed the audience to gain a fresh perspective on them.

From an in-universe point of view, it might have been because Humans strove to improve themselves, to become more than they were.

[CommanderRaytas]

T'Preea wrote:

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Of course, I can understand why Data would want to be human. For instance, we have feelings and experiences that he will never have. It's not that he's lacking, not at all; but he has that curiosity that will never be sated such as what it's like to laugh, cry; have an emotional response to the moving chords of a song, or to even taste what he eats or drinks. It's not that he's unhappy with who he is, he's just wanting to experience the little things that we as humans so often take for granted.

Maybe, but I suppose he would be better off if he accepted that he isn't human, and that that's just as good. I mean, what are humans who are unable to feel like the majority supposed to say? I understand what you're trying to say here, and that's what he's obviously after, but my advice would be: try to better yourself, yes, but don't try to be something and someone you're not. You're perfectly fine just the way you are, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

[Captain McBain]

Technically, Data shouldn't have had any desire to become human. He has no emotion, and therefore shouldn't have desire. It's also questionable as to why Data considers Geordi his friend, or Worf his friend, etc. Friendship implies an emotional bond between individuals.

[Jeyl]

Why doesn't Data ever just accept who he is? What exactly is wrong with being an android that has capabilities to learn, understand and (as McBain pointed out) have enough emotions to have relationships with the crew? Why is being an android so bad? Sure, there's a want to have more, but he would willingly give up everything to be human. Being human and wanting to become a member of the human race are not mutually exclusive if there are aliens who share the same needs and wants.

This feels less like Data seeking enlightenment and more like Gene's pandering that the human race is so freaking awesome that everyone and everything should want to be us even at the expense of what makes themselves unique and different.