The prediction, in brief:

Neither an advanced degree in math nor extraordinary powers of visualization ought to be necessary for a reasonably well-educated person to spend time productively in cyberspace.

Predictor: Benedikt, Michael

Prediction, in context:

In his early 1990s essay, “Cyberspace: Some Proposals,” which was published in a collection he edited, “Cyberspace: First Steps,” Michael Benedikt, writes:”We may need to employ advanced mathematical techniques in the design and operation of cyberspace. However, as esoteric as our thinking may become (and this quite aside from esoteric technical knowledge of hardware and software) we will have to ensure – in best computer industry tradition – that the ordinary user comes first. Even as we strive for higher dimensionalities or supernormal capabilities for the denizens of cyberspace, ordinary space and time must form the basis, the norm, any departures from which we must justify. Neither an advanced degree in math nor extraordinary powers of visualization ought to be necessary for a reasonably well-educated person to spend time productively in cyberspace.”

Biography:

Michael L. Benedikt founded the International Conference on Cyberspace in 1991. He is author of “For an Architecture of Reality” (Lumen Books, 1987), and author/editor of “Cyberspace: First Steps” (MIT Press, 1991). He lectured widely in the U.S. and abroad. (Research Scientist/Illuminator.)

Date of prediction: January 1, 1992

Topic of prediction: Getting, Sharing Information

Subtopic: General

Name of publication: Cyberspace: First Steps

Title, headline, chapter name: Cyberspace: Some Proposals

Quote Type: Direct quote

Page number or URL of document at time of study:
Page 128

This data was logged into the Elon/Pew Predictions Database by: Garrison, Betty