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the Internet; 7 (2.) “cyber is a prefix related to computer networks. For example,
cyberpal refers to friends made over the Internet”; 8 (3.) “cyber is a prefix used
to describe a person, thing, or idea as part of the computer and information age.
Taken from kybernetes, Greek for ‘steersman’ or ‘governor.’”; 9 (4.) cyber is a
prefix used to describe some element of the high-tech or information age; 10 and
(5.) “cyber is usually used in connection with references to automated
systems—both in terms of hardware and software.” 11
These definitions indicate that the focus of the modern age is on three
things: information, the computer, and the computer network. It is the latter two
that allow for the movement, sharing, amount, and access to the former.
Computers, and more specifically the computer chip, are the enablers that allow
the “production, transmission, consumption, and reliance” on information.
Industrialized capabilities were the cause of increased productivity and
heightened efficiency in the early Industrial Age. This former age was termed
the Industrial Age (cause) and not the Productivity Age (effect). It is the cause
that was highlighted, not the effect. Now cyber (computer and network)
capabilities are the cause that allow for the flow of huge amounts of
data/information, the effect. If the cause is highlighted as in the Industrial Age,
then we live in the Cyber Age and not the Information Age. This point of
departure takes us in an entirely different direction than a focus purely on
information.
The term cyber is pervasive in society, and it refers to many actions in a
new way. A cyber-related activity usually refers to an event or process that
took place on the Internet or in virtual reality. Today there is a dizzying array of
terms with the “cyber” prefix that can easily compete with or even surpass
information-related terms: cyberspace, cyberculture, cybercash, cybercafé,
cyber-football injuries (suffered from playing video games), cyberjihad,
cybercrime, cybermanipulation, cybermobilization, cyberlaw, cybersketches,
cyberpsyop, cyberstrategy, cybernews, cyberthreats, cybercide, cybercable,
cyberaddict, cybehound, cybermediary, cybermen, cybernate, cyberslacker,
cyberslang, cybersoap, cyberspeak, cyberpicketing, cyberstalker, cybertourist,
and cyberrecruiting to name but a few. A recent Newsweek article on “Virtual
7 www.goodnewsgooddeeds.org/glossary.html as downloaded in May 2005.
8 www1.sympatico.ca/help/Glossary/c.html as downloaded in May 2005.
9 e-Tropolis Evanston at www.epl.org/community/technopolis/infrast_keyterms.html as
downloaded in May 2005.
10 www.help2go.com/modules.php as downloaded in May 2005.
11 VHA Center for Engineering and Occupational Safety and Health at
www1.va.gov/emshg/apps/emp/emp/definitions.htm as downloaded in May 2005.
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