Cyberspace Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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cyberspace
[ˈsaɪbərˌspeɪs ]
Definition
virtual reality
Cyberspace refers to the virtual environment that is created by interconnected computer networks, where people can interact, communicate, and engage in various activities.
Synonyms
digital realm, online universe, virtual world.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| cyberspace |
It is a general term for the virtual environment of computer networks and the internet. Often used in discussions about the internet's more abstract and technical elements.
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| virtual world |
Typically refers to computer-generated environments where users can interact with each other through avatars, often used in the context of gaming or virtual reality.
|
| digital realm |
This phrase often refers to the broader scope of all digital interactions and environments, including internet activities, digital services, and online communities. It can be used in more formal or literary contexts.
|
| online universe |
This phrase is frequently used to describe the overall ecosystem of the internet, including websites, social media, and virtual communities. It can carry a more imaginative or informal tone.
|
Examples of usage
- Many people spend a significant amount of time in cyberspace, browsing the internet.
- Online gaming allows players to enter a digital cyberspace and compete with others from around the world.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Impact
- Various films, such as 'The Matrix', portray cyberspace as a rival reality, highlighting its profound impact on pop culture.
- The concept of cyberspace has inspired countless artworks, reflecting its influence on modern creativity and expression.
- Online communities in cyberspace have given rise to subcultures, redefining social interaction and community.
Technology
- Cyberspace serves as the backbone for contemporary communication, enabling instant messaging and social media interactions.
- The emergence of virtual reality (VR) has expanded the concept of cyberspace into immersive experiences.
- With the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), cyberspace now connects devices and systems beyond traditional computers.
Psychology
- Research shows that extensive engagement in cyberspace can affect mental health, influencing loneliness and social anxiety.
- The anonymity found in cyberspace allows individuals to express themselves differently, sometimes leading to disinhibition.
- The phenomenon of 'cyberbullying' highlights the dark side of interactions within this virtual environment.
Law and Ethics
- Cyberspace raises important questions about privacy rights and data protection in an increasingly interconnected world.
- The creation of international laws regarding cybersecurity aims to protect individuals and nations from digital threats.
- Debates around digital citizenship emphasize the responsibility of internet users within this virtual space.
Origin of 'cyberspace'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'cyberspace' was coined by science fiction author William Gibson in his 1984 novel 'Neuromancer'.
- It combines 'cybernetics', which is the study of control systems, and 'space', referring to a virtual environment.
- The term gained popularity as the internet began to evolve in the late 20th century.
The term 'cyberspace' was coined by science fiction writer William Gibson in his 1982 short story 'Burning Chrome' and later popularized in his novel 'Neuromancer' published in 1984. It is a combination of 'cybernetics' and 'space', reflecting the interconnected network of computers and the virtual environment they create.
See also: cyberbully, cyberbullying, cybercriminal.