Cyberspace is shaping up to be more like Cyberbia than Cyberkeley … These extreme alternatives prevent us from moving toward [a] … hybrid vision [without which] it is unlikely that we will realize the democratic possibilities of this new technology.
Predictor: Shapiro, Andrew L.
Prediction, in context:In a 1995 article for The Nation, contributing editor Andrew Shapiro writes: ”Consider two models of cyberspace that represent what total privatization deprives us of and what it leaves us with. In the first model – this is what we are being deprived of – you use a computer and modem to go online and enter a virtual world called Cyberkeley … You encounter vibrant public spaces … In the second cyberspace model – which is the one we’re getting – you enter an online world called Cyberbia. It’s identical to Cyberkely with one exception: There are no spaces dedicated to public discourse. No virtual sidewalks or parks, no heated debate or demonstrators catching your attention … You can shape your route so that you interact only with people of your choosing and with information tailored to your desires … Unfortunately, cyberspace is shaping up to be more like Cyberbia than Cyberkeley … These extreme alternatives prevent us from moving toward [a] … hybrid vision [without which] it is unlikely that we will realize the democratic possibilities of this new technology.”
Date of prediction: January 1, 1995
Topic of prediction: Community/Culture
Subtopic: Virtual Communities
Name of publication: The Nation
Title, headline, chapter name: Street Corners in Cyberspace
Quote Type: Direct quote
Page number or URL of document at time of study:
Page 10
This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Strickland, Amanda M.