You Are
The Future Of
Cyberspace
By Bob Schapiro and Craig Harm, The SENDS Project Team
How many times do you hear people say, “You are the future”? You hear that a lot in school. But, let’s be honest, it often doesn’t mean very much. Yes, you are the future…but so is everyone else your age. It’s just something people say when they have nothing more specific to say. It sounds good...encouraging…well meaning.
Maybe what we should say to you is “You can build the future; you can make a difference”. Why should you believe us when we say that you can make a real difference in the future of cyberspace, participating in the SENDS Project? Let’s talk about specific reasons:
- SENDS could put you in touch with people at major software companies, game designers, military people, researchers…the people who create the environment of cyberspace. It’s an environment that constantly changes…and these people need your input. They will see what you post on SENDS.
- Why do they need you? Look around at the people past their mid-twenties. They didn’t grow up with the Internet. They’re trying to keep up, but they have a harder time getting it than you did. You can probably recall the last time an adult asked you for help using their computer, DVR or phone. Can you remember the last time an adult needed your help—really needed your help—on anything else?
- In cyberspace…no one KNOWS ANYTHING. Oh, we sort of know some things, we think. But those things could all be proven wrong tomorrow. In astronomy, we know that the earth revolves around the sun. In math, we know that 2 + 2 = 4. But in the science of cyberspace, we don’t know anything...even simple things seem to be changing before our eyes. This leaves a lot of room for new people to contribute.
- SENDS is one of the few places devoted to understanding all of cyberspace. There are lots of places interested in just cyber-security…or a better way to block spam…or a way to shop. SENDS knows that everything is connected…what does that really mean? You can help us figure that out.
Did you know that the word “cyberspace” isn’t much older than you are? The term doesn’t even come from a scientist. It’s a made-up word, from the sci-fi novel Neuromancer, written by William Gibson in 1984. It just caught on.
The word “cyber” does come from a scientist, a man named Norbert Weiner. But even he made it up, deciding to use the Greek word kubernetes, to create the word “cybernetics.” What’s the difference between “cybernetics” and “cyberspace”? Here’s the deep dark secret: No one really knows. You can find many different definitions. But scientists know that when there are many definitions, there is really no definition. After all, the root word of “definition” is definite...and there’s nothing definite when there are so many different meanings.
SENDS, by the way, stands for “Scientific Enhancements to Networked Domains and Secure Social Spaces.” The idea behind those words is important…but the words themselves are probably not. To be honest, we came up with words that would spell out SENDS, because we were looking for a word that would catch on. That’s how it works. Today, important people across the cyber-world are learning about and talking about SENDS.
You can be part of SENDS. In fact, you participate today. Here’s where we need your help:
Do you think there ought to be a word or term for something you experience in cyberspace? Is there a word that you use…or your friends use…or that you can make-up? Cyberspace itself is a made-up word, but people use it because it seems to capture their experience.
If you have a word or phrase that you think more people should be using, send it to us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . We’ll make sure that people see it.
Those of us who are over 25 didn’t grow up with the word “Google” or “iPod” or even “cyberspace.” In cyberspace, what you call things is as good as what anyone else calls things. Think of where words like “tweet”, “blog” and “OMG”, “LOL”, “TTYL” came from. Someone made them up, and now they are part of our vocabulary. If what you say sounds right to people, they’ll start using it. SENDS will just make sure people see it. Please send us your ideas at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .
And one more thing please!
You are obviously interested in and learning about Cyberspace. That’s why you are part of the Pinellas County Science Center. But what do you want to do after you graduate? Will you continue your education about cyberspace? What will you study? Will it really prepare you for your future interests? Wouldn’t it be great to influence what and how you are taught about Cyberspace.
Check out our questionnaire on what it will take to build an education about cyberspace. Go ahead and answer some of the questions, step out and make a difference on how not only you will be taught, but also your friends and those students who follow you. A lot of people would appreciate knowing what you think about your future!
For more on SENDS, please go to www.sendsonline.org.
