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⁾