This weeks Readings and Lecture content went into the realm of 'Cyberspace' and outlined some of the developments that the world has taken in the modern age and how this plays out in everyday life. The reading by Lister et al (2009) went through some of the ways that cyberspace and technology have integrated into our every day life.
I really enjoyed the part of the lecture that outlined Cyber Punk; an idea that seems to tear off the gloss from the idea that technology will create a moral, utopian society, but rather shows a dark, morrally corupt and cold future where people are no better off at all because of technology.
An article by Starrs and Huntsinger (1995) outlined cyberpunk well;
The broad cyberpunk literary "movement," as it is often described, blends fast-paced and imaginative writing with a pungent if admiring wariness for computers. Rather more importantly, "cyberpunk" takes an often-savage delight in roaming the information networks that especially personal computers make possible. Altogether gone is the bland worship of technology that once defined science fiction; no part survives in Cyberpunk (p.51).This journal article was a really succint outline of cyberpunk and helped me come to terms with what exactly is meant by the term.
I found the concept interesting because I myself find the idea that technology will solve all our issues a very idealistic one. If I had to bet a dollar I would put it down on the more Cyberpunk style future than I would on the utopian future commonly propogated. With a reduction in resources, climate change, heavy pollution and an unmistakable trend toward self fulfillment over the common good I cant see how our future will become bright unless substantial change occurs. Even basic economic principles like the 'tradgedy of the commons' recognise that people will exploit common resources for their self interest rather than seek the common good. Everybody seems to want to get a piece of the action rather than think about those around them first.
The New Testament philosophy 'love your neighbour as you love yourself' seems more paramount in importance today than ever before in our shrinking world. It appears that it will take everyone working together for the benefit of all for us to achieve anything resembling a utopian technologically advanced civilistion. If all our hope is in political reform to achieve this I cant help but feel troubled, because as anyone can testify the goal of politics and particularly politicians is still generally selfish.... To achieve their goal, to gain election and be popular with the people. It appears that the interests of our common good are really always put to the back and each individual pursues their own desires.
This idea, this looming reality is reflected in many movies, Irobot is a great example where artificial intelligences recognise that humans are self destructive and seek to take control in order to maintain our livelihood. It's funny that when we think about this its for our good but as humans regardless whether or not its good for us doesn't matter if it takes away our freedom. Our freedom to forge our own way is at the base who people are but this both defines us as a race and poses our greatest threat.
Starrs, P. F., & Huntsinger, L. (1995). The matrix, cyberpunk literature, and the apocalyptic landscapes of information technology.Information Technology and Libraries, 14(4), 251-251. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com.libraryproxy.griffith.edu.au/docview/215832977?accountid=14543
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