Isn't it a disappointment when you imagine a brilliant picture of something really cool in your head, only for it to be rubbished in the cold light of reality?
Maybe it was just me, but I always had a slightly romantic view of internet hackers (not to be confused with those pesky phone hackers).
I had convinced myself that they were the modern day heroes intent on sticking it to the man (think Neo and Morpheus from The Matrix). Either that or they were a sinister bunch of uber-villains out to cause havoc and mayhem. What tied the two together was a delightful mixture of intelligence, charm, skill and mischief, not to mention a good dose of humour. They were a secret society, the illuminati of the internet, who met up in their mysterious hideouts to plot, scheme and hack.
But the recent arrests of prominent members of hacker groups such as Anonymous and LulzSec has made me realise I was perhaps being a little flattering in my fantasy. The dynamic internet elite were little more than teenagers, and pretty geeky ones at that. But it did get me thinking...
Are these budding hackers the disaffected youths and rebels from yesteryear? Both are seemingly drawn to the 'cool' and dangerous side of society. Just as they were with punk and grunge, our generation of youngsters are being compelled by the same sense of rebellion and anarchy (and the counter-culture and politics that come with it).
Have they simply traded guitar rhythms for algorithms?
The main difference is that the internet has made it possible for anybody to become a 'rock star'. The internet provides anonymity and intrigue. Its reach allows anyone to gain kudos, respect and admiration (regardless of what they look like).
Herein lies the appeal for the downtrodden and outcast - a golden chance to be a part of something bigger. More importantly, it's a chance to be something more than an awkward teenager who struggles to strive in an offline world.
No comments:
Post a Comment