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“Neuromancer” by William Gibson (1984)
William Gibson’s “Neuromancer” is often cited as the book that shaped how we think about cyberspace. Long before most people had even seen a computer, Gibson described a “consensual hallucination experienced daily by billions,” which eerily echoes today’s interconnected world. The novel’s ideas about hacking, virtual reality, and digital economies seem ripped straight from 21st-century headlines. It’s astonishing how a story written in the early 80s foreshadows not just the internet, but our entire digital culture. According to a 2014 BBC interview with Gibson, he was inspired by arcade games and the possibilities of global data networks. The word “cyberspace” itself, coined here, is now a fixture in online discussions. It’s no exaggeration to say that “Neuromancer” predicted the sense of digital immersion we now take for granted.
“1984” by George Orwell (1949)
Orwell’s “1984” is famous for its dystopian vision, but it’s also shockingly relevant to the era of mass surveillance and social media. The novel’s all-seeing telescreens and constant monitoring have found echoes in today’s digital tracking and data collection. Recent research by Pew Research Center in 2024 showed that 79% of Americans worry about how companies use their data, a concern that “1984” anticipated decades ago. Orwell described a society where information is controlled and privacy is virtually nonexistent, hinting at issues we face with the internet’s reach today. The phrase “Big Brother is watching you” has become a shorthand for our fears about online privacy. It’s a chilling reminder that the internet, for all its wonders, can also be a tool for control.
“The Shockwave Rider” by John Brunner (1975)
John Brunner’s “The Shockwave Rider” introduced the concept of the “worm,” a self-replicating computer program—a full five years before the first real worm appeared. Brunner imagined a society shaped by vast networks of information, with individuals searching for anonymity in a world where data is power. In a 2023 retrospective, Wired highlighted how Brunner’s vision included not just technical elements but social consequences, such as information overload and loss of privacy. The book’s prediction of cyberattacks and network security issues is now part of our daily news. Brunner’s work is a master class in imagining both the promise and peril of interconnected computers.
“True Names” by Vernor Vinge (1981)
Vernor Vinge’s novella “True Names” is often called the first real story about hacking. It imagines a world where users, hidden behind aliases, enter a shared virtual space—a precursor to modern online communities. The story’s focus on identity, anonymity, and the dangers of digital exposure mirrors current debates about online safety. In a 2022 MIT Technology Review article, Vinge was credited with foreseeing the rise of avatars and digital personas, which are now central to social media and gaming. “True Names” was written when personal computers were rare, yet it predicted the psychological and social issues of the internet age with uncanny precision.
“Snow Crash” by Neal Stephenson (1992)
“Snow Crash” by Neal Stephenson stands out for its wild ride through a hyper-connected, virtual world he called the “Metaverse.” That word is now being used by major tech companies like Facebook (now Meta) to describe the next evolution of the internet. Stephenson’s vision of avatars, virtual real estate, and online societies has become a blueprint for today’s digital innovators. According to a 2024 CNBC report, investments in Metaverse technology exceeded $120 billion last year. The book also explores the dangers of online addiction and the blurring of real and virtual lives, topics that feel more urgent than ever. Stephenson’s work is quirky, chaotic, and shockingly prophetic.
“The Machine Stops” by E.M. Forster (1909)
E.M. Forster wrote “The Machine Stops” more than a century ago, but its themes are uncannily modern. The story describes people living isolated lives, communicating only through a global machine that delivers information, entertainment, and social contact. Forster’s imagined machine is almost a blueprint for the internet, video calls, and social networks. In a 2023 Guardian feature, digital historians marvelled at Forster’s accuracy in describing online culture’s isolating effects. The book warns about reliance on technology at the expense of real human connection—a debate that is still raging today, as studies show increased loneliness linked to heavy internet use.
“Earth” by David Brin (1990)
David Brin’s “Earth” is packed with predictions that hit uncomfortably close to home. Brin imagined a future where information is shared instantaneously, privacy is almost gone, and the world is shaped by global connectivity. The book features concepts like online news feeds, citizen journalism, and even viral misinformation—issues we grapple with every day. A 2023 Statista report noted that 67% of adults now get their news from online sources, echoing Brin’s vision. The novel also touches on environmental monitoring via networked sensors, a technology that’s now part of climate science. Brin’s work isn’t just prescient; it’s practically a guidebook for our current world.
“Idoru” by William Gibson (1996)
In “Idoru,” Gibson explores the fusion of celebrity, artificial intelligence, and networked societies. The story’s depiction of online fan cultures, virtual pop stars, and AI-driven personalities feels ripped from today’s headlines. In 2025, virtual influencers like Lil Miquela have millions of followers, and AI-generated music videos are trending on YouTube. “Idoru” not only predicted these trends but also explored the ways online communities form and wield power. Gibson’s focus on the blurring lines between reality and digital fantasy is especially relevant now, as deepfakes and AI avatars become more convincing. The novel captures the thrill and disorientation of living in a world where online and offline are nearly impossible to separate.
“A Logic Named Joe” by Murray Leinster (1946)
Murray Leinster’s “A Logic Named Joe” is one of the earliest stories to hint at a world of interconnected computers. Leinster described “logics” (essentially smart terminals) that could answer any question, provide entertainment, and connect people across the globe. The story’s prediction of personalized search engines, smart homes, and even internet filters is jaw-droppingly accurate. According to a 2024 report from the International Telecommunication Union, 5.4 billion people now use the internet—proof that Leinster’s vision of universal connectivity is reality. The story also raises ethical questions about access to information, foreshadowing modern debates about censorship and freedom online.
“The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress” by Robert A. Heinlein (1966)
Heinlein’s novel features a self-aware computer that manages a lunar colony, but its real genius is in the way it imagines networked communication and social organization. The book’s depiction of instant messaging, group chats, and online forums predates modern platforms by decades. In a 2023 Forbes article, tech analysts praised Heinlein for predicting the rise of online activism and digital democracy. The novel’s themes of surveillance, encryption, and the power of information are now part of our daily digital lives. Heinlein’s work captures the explosive potential—and the risks—of a truly connected society.
“Islands in the Net” by Bruce Sterling (1988)
Bruce Sterling’s “Islands in the Net” is a cyberpunk classic that dives deep into the power struggles created by global data networks. Sterling imagined a future where information is the ultimate currency, and where nation-states compete with corporations and rogue hackers for control. The book explores issues like online activism, digital currencies, and the tension between openness and security. In 2024, with the rise of cryptocurrencies and cyber warfare, Sterling’s predictions look more like news than fiction. The novel’s exploration of information warfare and decentralized power structures was ahead of its time, offering a gritty, realistic view of the coming internet age.
“Daemon” by Daniel Suarez (2006)
Daniel Suarez’s “Daemon” is a more recent but no less prophetic look at how the internet could reshape society. The novel centers on a powerful computer program that takes on a life of its own, manipulating financial markets, media, and even governments. Suarez drew on real-world research about automation and AI, and his work has been praised by cybersecurity experts for its realism. A 2025 Deloitte report highlights growing concerns about automated threats and the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to digital attack—fears that “Daemon” brought to center stage. The book’s vision of a world run by algorithms is both thrilling and terrifying.
“The Net” by John Brunner (1976)
John Brunner didn’t just stop with “The Shockwave Rider.” In “The Net,” he describes a society where people are connected by an omnipresent digital network. The story tackles themes of surveillance, information overload, and the struggle to maintain personal identity in a sea of data. Brunner’s work resonates today, as psychologists and tech experts warn about “digital burnout” and the erosion of privacy. According to a 2024 survey by the American Psychological Association, over 60% of respondents reported feeling overwhelmed by the constant flow of online information. Brunner’s vision captures both the excitement and the anxiety of our hyper-connected age.
“Player Piano” by Kurt Vonnegut (1952)
Kurt Vonnegut’s “Player Piano” doesn’t focus solely on the internet, but its themes of automation, digital communication, and the alienation of modern life are strikingly relevant. The novel imagines a world where machines do the work and people are left searching for purpose—a reality many fear as AI advances. In 2025, with workplace automation on the rise, labor market researchers have found that nearly 40% of jobs in some sectors could be affected by AI-driven technologies. “Player Piano” offers a sharp, sometimes darkly funny look at what happens when technology changes everything, including what it means to be human.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
