Narrative mapping of cyberspace. context and consequences

Abstract

Cyberspace is barely two decades old. Yet it is already globally pervasive, powerfully disrupting perceptions and realities in the legacy spaces; on the land, at sea and in the air where human beings live, move and work. The pace at which its influence is spreading and intensifying is amazing; the number and reach of the consequences arguably even more so, and they continue to emerge, mash-up and surprise. For humanity and its planet, an acceptable future depends on ‘seeing’ and understanding Cyberspace well enough to do two things; manage and exploit it successfully in the present, and make timely, flexible preparations for a future that is uncertain, except in that it will be different to today, in no small part because it will be substantially shaped by the state of and actions in the Cyberspace. This chapter is a first attempt to explain why Cyberspace has become so important so quickly and describe briefly the most meaningful of its initial consequences, all with the aim to promote strengthening the good in Cyberspace while keeping the bad in check.