The art and meaning of cyberspace.

Cyberspace is the electronic medium of computer networks, in which online communication takes place. The term itself was coined by a science-fiction author, William Gibson. Gibson first used the term in his novel "burning chrome", published 1982.  Gibson furthered the term dramatically to years later in his novel "Neuromancer" where he referenced cyberspace as a "consensual hallucination experienced daily by a billion of legitimate operators".

The idea of cyberspace isn't exclusively a positive. Since the inception of the internet, and cyberspace, we've seen the uprising of "computer crime". Computer crimes include money laundering, hacking, copyright infringement and child pornography. Often in cyberspace, hacking, viruses et al are commonplace as the "hacker" systematically abuses, and infects your computer. Programs are put in place to thwart these viruses. Programs like "Norton's anti-virus software" is available at all computer retailers in a bid to put a halt to inflicted viruses.

Computer crimes such as hacking have become more common, with both Sony and Microsoft having their system hacked into regarding their video games systems and card details, amongst other things being recorded and used without consent or permission. Viruses are also a danger to your computer, e-mails often are sent with a potential risk if it's an unknown user. For example the "Friends" episode where Chandler infects Ross's computer by trying to download an email he has been sent, yet doesn't know who by, however the title drew him in, and manipulated him into opening it.

Cyberspace and the internet have surpasses television as the medium posing most dangers and risks for adolescents (Common Sense Media 2006) . With the exploitation of and easy distribution of illicit, sexual material, many parents fears are understandable (Galbreath and Berlin 2002).

The London school of Economics performed a study that results showed 90% of 8-16 year olds have viewed pornography on the internet.

Cyberspace now is seen and defined more as the "social interactions involved rather than the real technical implementation" (Morningstar and Randall-Farmer), they said that the core characteristic is it offering an enviroment that consists of many participants with the ability to affect and influence each other.

The cyberspace as a whole, offers direct communication in ways that have never been seen prior. The internet has provided a direct interface with other users, yet the security and restrictions that aren't always apparent may make "cyberspace" a harmful enviroment for those unaware of what they could potentially have at their disposal.