A short look into a Cyberpunk future

Cyberpunk, defined as 'a genre of science fiction set in a lawless subculture of an oppressive society dominated by computer technology', as per Oxford Languages, is most likely the future we could be heading towards, where the line between man and machine will be blurred.

A large part of media portrays it to be large cities with futuristic architecture, neon signs, flying cars, cybernetic enhancements, robots, virtual and as something to look forward to. But it is very easy to look past this façade. For any individual who has indulged themselves in pieces of culture set in this future will know what you see is just a veil. 

Movies such as 'Bladerunner', the 'Matrix' trilogy, 'I, Robot', 'Total Recall', anime such as 'Akira', 'Ghost in the Shell', 'Paprika', 'Psycho Pass' and video games such as 'Cyberpunk 2077', 'The Ascent', the 'Deus Ex' series, the 'System Shock' series and a lot more of each of these delve into the reality of such a future, its truth, and portrayal of all hierarchies of such a society.

You'd see yourself stepping into crowded bustling streets, large towering skyscrapers, giant holographic advertisements in the sky, the sound of machine and electronics looming in the air.

The poor and low class keep grinding, the rich stay rich, and life is actually not as great as it seems. People strive to be the best versions of themselves, with constant implants and replacing of body parts, which leads to the high use of drugs, medication etc. You'd see glowing eyes, robotic limbs and chips to directly interface with a whole another digital world. This is done to enhance their physical and mental states beyond what is humanely possible, but with this great power comes inequality, corruption, and violence. 

Corporations keep ruling, holding the upper hand, control over the economy, and most of the society tends to respect them. The only constant we would see here is the struggle for power and control.

Crime is at a complete high, as freedom is what is promised in this future. Gangs, guns, money rules the underworld, working under the nose of justice, carrying out the dirty work of the rich. Rebels, outcasts, and hackers that do not wish to bend to the will of the corporations and exploitation are usually the protagonists of these media and shows the story of them becoming legends.

(Images from Cyberpunk 2077, by CD Projekt Red)

~sodahead