Snow Crash, presents to the reader a complex metaverse where individuals have a great dependence on technology primarily attributable to hyperinflation. While the bulk of the sci-fi novel may seem outrageous in our society at first glance there are many striking similarities to the world Stephenson predicted. The growing dependence and use of technology in the global landscape today makes it very plausible for hackers such as Hiro to infiltrate the internet, ultimately ending up with sensitive and top-secret information. The modern day Hiro would be Edward Snowden who leaked NSA data regarding information of a government program "spying" on individuals such as the monitoring of cell phones. It is likely there will be more Snowden's in the future not only for the US but for all countries utilizing technology which poses a great security threat. If someone were to hack into the Secretary of State or Defense accounts their is likely to be highly sensitive and top secret information leaked to the public that could have serious implications around the world. Some information is best kept in the hands of the few particularly when it comes to high priority issues of national defense.
Secondly, Stephenson incorporates privatization of security into his novel to the point where the US government is close to extinction. While we do see privatized militarys and security firms used by governments I am not convinced that the world in the near future would go to this extreme so as not to have governments at all. Privatizing security can be helpful in many ways, to both individuals, business, and larger bodies such as the US government however as we have seen in Snow Crash with the hyperinflation problem, privatizing almost all ways of life can become a security threat, in this case economically where people are having to pervade being taxed through the use of online currency.
Meghan-- all sci-fi aside, what about the negative impacts of private security? Should technology be used to isolate us to this extent that we have to spy on our neighbors and guard our property constantly? What about the people who can't afford private security? It is important that the government remains a security provider for citizens?
ReplyDeleteI agree with the idea that Snow Crash is very similar in the sense of technology use and our dependency on it. This dependency and extreme usage causes potential threat. I however would argue that Snow Crash doesn't suggest no government, it suggests privatization of security. Do you think that those are interchangeable? I would argue that they are different.
ReplyDeleteI agree with the hackers concern because it does happen. People hack into government accounts for money or because they feel like they need to shed light on a problem. But looking through history, can you relate on a general level, the role of spies in wars as hackers? I mean they infiltrate an organized system to uncover secrets? If this connection is accepted then maybe hackers just go hand in hand with intelligence gathering.
ReplyDeleteI think you are right about the privatization of security factor in the U.S government. Not only does it seem to give the government influence in world events, but it seems to protect basic American ideas. Like in the book, if the main source of security becomes private, the government's role will seem to diminish to an unimportant level.