Cyberstuff

Welcome back to yet another week of wit and information.

This week’s topic is somewhat deep… Cyperspace. First off, for those who may be asking, what is cyberspace? I’m glad you asked! The easier definition I can give is that cyberspace is a way in which people try to understand the internet by the use of imagery. Think of the phrase coined by Al Gore, ‘The information superhighway’. Obviously the internet is not an actual highway, but it’s a way to visualize the idea of information travelling back and forth from computers and other devices. Cyberspace is essentially Platonism as a working product (as in the Greek philosopher Plato). To expand on that again I suggest you look up The Allegory of Plato’s cave, it’s quite interesting but I’m not going to overload your brains with too much knowledge.

An interesting question put forth to me today was ‘Is Facebook in cyberspace?’ Personally I think Facebook is indeed in cyberspace. When most people think of cyberspace and virtual reality the most common answer is video games, such as World of Warcraft, however it isn’t strictly restricted to video games. If we take a step back and look at Facebook we can see that it’s like a social gathering point. All of your friends are in one place, and by updating statuses on their profile it’s like starting a major discussion with all those on their friends list. Basically it’s being social without needing to leave the house.

Another topic worth discussing is the genre of ‘Cyberpunk’. Cyberpunk is possibly (in my opinion anyway) one of the greatest forms of science fiction out there. Although it’s not big in present society, but from 1980 – 1990 it was huge. First off for anyone that doesn’t know what cyberpunk is allow me to elaborate. Cyberpunk is essentially a combination of cybernetics (computers, genetics, body modifications etc.) and punk music (loud, fast and erratic tendencies). Best examples are most sci-fi films from the 80’s and early 90’s like Bladerunner, Total Recall, Tron, RoboCop and even the Super Mario Bros live action film. Each film shows a dystopian future were society is in some state of anarchy. There is also a heavy focus is on the idea of body augmentation, where people will combine their flesh with cybernetics. Most people that will be reading this blog probably haven’t seen blade runner or the original Total Recall. To those people I strongly suggest you go watch them. I will be posting a time line of cyberpunk films so please have a looksy and watch at least one of them. That’s my challenge for you all.

That’s all for this week friends, until next time…  

Refernces

Butler, A., 2001. Cyberpunk. Harpenden: Pocket Essentials.