Cyberpunk facts for kids

Cyberpunk is a cool type of science fiction. It started in the early 1980s. The word "cyberpunk" was first used by Bruce Bethke for his short story in 1980. He combined "cybernetics" (which is about how machines and living things control things) and "punk rock" (a type of music and style). Soon, people used this word to describe William Gibson's famous book, Neuromancer.

Cyberpunk stories usually take place in the near future. They often show a dystopian world, which means a very unhappy and unfair society. In these worlds, technology is super advanced. But instead of helping everyone, it's often controlled by a few giant corporations. These powerful companies use technology for their own benefit, not for the good of all. Many cyberpunk stories are about a single person, often a computer user or hacker. This hero might fight against a society controlled by computers or the Internet.

What are the main ideas in Cyberpunk?

Cyberpunk stories often explore big ideas about technology and society.

• They look at how much information technology and the Internet change our lives.
• They also think about artificial intelligence (AI) and prosthetic body parts. These are often used to make people stronger or smarter.
• A common idea is that powerful corporations have more control than governments. This means a few companies might run everything.
• Heroes in these stories are often anti-heroes. They might be rebels or people who don't fit in.

Earlier books that inspired Cyberpunk

Some older books helped shape the cyberpunk style.

• Philip K. Dick wrote Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?. This book was made into the famous movie Blade Runner.

Important authors and their books

Many writers have created amazing cyberpunk worlds.

• William Gibson wrote Neuromancer and Burning Chrome.
• Bruce Sterling edited a collection of stories called Mirrorshades.
• Neal Stephenson wrote Snow Crash in 1992.
• Pat Cadigan is known for her book Mindplayers.
• Rudy Rucker wrote The Ware Series.
• John Shirley wrote Heatseeker.

Cyberpunk in movies and shows

Cyberpunk ideas and styles are also very popular in other media.

• The movie Blade Runner (from 1982) is a great example of the cyberpunk look. It shows a future world with advanced tech and dark cityscapes.
• Akira by Katsuhiro Otomo is a famous example of cyberpunk in manga (Japanese comics) and anime (Japanese animation).

Images for kids

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  This looks like the "digital rain" seen in movies like Ghost in the Shell and The Matrix.

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  The Berlin Sony Center, opened in 2000, has a look that reminds many people of cyberpunk.

See also

In Spanish: Ciberpunk para niños