Interestingly, I was about to type a longer answer (why we aren't living in a cyperpunk future) and decided to ask ChatGPT which tv show, series, whatever from the 80's comes close to our actual future.
Cyberpunk is too dark and gritty, in a world enjoying the light and warmth of modernity.
In the 80s the threat of nuclear war, toxic chemicals (dioxins), depleting ozone, etc. not to mention the cultural prominence of the Japanese fueled nerd culture’s flights of fancy and escapism.
Today global prosperity, self awareness, and (shudder) regulation has at least staved off these nightmares we dreamed could be reformed by cyberpunk’s promises.
Interestingly, I was about to type a longer answer (why we aren't living in a cyperpunk future) and decided to ask ChatGPT which tv show, series, whatever from the 80's comes close to our actual future.
Top result was, indeed, Blade Runner.
Fascinating~
Cyberpunk is too dark and gritty, in a world enjoying the light and warmth of modernity.
In the 80s the threat of nuclear war, toxic chemicals (dioxins), depleting ozone, etc. not to mention the cultural prominence of the Japanese fueled nerd culture’s flights of fancy and escapism.
Today global prosperity, self awareness, and (shudder) regulation has at least staved off these nightmares we dreamed could be reformed by cyberpunk’s promises.
I guess that leaves us with …
Solarpunk!