The term “cyberpunk” was first coined by author Bruce Bethke in his 1980 short story “Cyberpunk”. 1)
Cyberpunk is a subgenre of science fiction that typically features advanced technology, dystopian societies, and a focus on the effects of rapid technological change on humanity. 2)
The cyberpunk genre often incorporates elements of noir fiction, including a dark and gritty tone and morally ambiguous characters. 3)
The genre emerged in the 1980s as a response to the increasing prevalence of computers and other technologies in daily life. 4)
One of the most famous cyberpunk works is William Gibson's novel “Neuromancer”, which popularized many of the genre's tropes and themes. 5)
Other notable cyberpunk authors include Bruce Sterling, Rudy Rucker, and Neal Stephenson. 6)
Cyberpunk often explores themes such as artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and the blurring of the line between humans and machines. 7)
The genre is also known for its distinctive visual style, which often features neon colors, dark alleyways, and futuristic technology. 8)
Cyberpunk has influenced many other forms of media, including movies, video games, and music. 9)
The 1990s saw a resurgence of cyberpunk in popular culture, with movies like “The Matrix” and anime series like “Ghost in the Shell” drawing heavily from the genre. 10)
Cyberpunk has been criticized for its sometimes narrow focus on white male protagonists, although more recent works have sought to broaden the genre's representation. 11)
The cyberpunk aesthetic has also been co-opted by mainstream fashion and advertising, with brands like Adidas and Nike releasing cyberpunk-inspired clothing lines. 12)
Cyberpunk has been called a “punk” genre because of its focus on rebellion against oppressive power structures. 13)
The genre often features a sense of nostalgia for a lost past, such as the 1980s or 1990s, even as it depicts a future society. 14)
Cyberpunk remains a popular and influential genre, with new works continuing to explore its themes and aesthetic. 15)