In the novel Neuromancer, by William Gibson a family called Tessier-Ashpool is introduced. The Tessier-Ashpool family is a dominant force to be reckoned with due to their combination of corporate power and familiant control. The family operates their suppressive dynasty from the Villa Straylight, where they control an immense amount of wealth and technology to sustain their influence across generations. The family is such a dominant force that they shape entire social structures.
Modern Society
Gibson’s Tessier-Ashpools are a chilling example of a world where corporate power transcends market boundaries, intruding into private lives and controlling individuals through technology. Today, corporations like Amazon, Meta, and Alphabet (Google’s parent company) have accumulated power that affects virtually every aspect of our daily life. Amazon, for instance, not only dominates online retail but also controls vast cloud computing infrastructure through AWS, hosting data for companies, governments, and nonprofits worldwide. This central position gives Amazon influence over the economy, public information, and even government operations which is a stark parallel to the Tessier-Ashpools’ economic and technological dominance in Neuromancer.
Likewise, Alphabet controls the information ecosystem through Google’s search engine and YouTube. The immense amounts of data these platforms collect allow Alphabet to shape user behavior and preferences, creating an informational monopoly where they control the knowledge people access. This power echoes the invasive control that Wintermute exercises over the characters in Neuromancer, who are manipulated by an entity that understands their desires, motivations, and vulnerabilities.
In addition, Google’s Alphabet development of AI in applications such as different algorithms embodies how AI can mold human behavior and choices. Due to users relying on these tools, the Google algorithms will influence daily decisions.
Imminent Reality?
In my opinion, Neuromancer is an extreme example of where corporations are headed. However, Gibson’s predictions about the future and technology have many parallels to society. Corporations such as Meta, Amazon, and Alphabet suggest that these companies are gaining a certain unchecked power which Gibson predicted. This unchecked power is similar to the power the Tessier-Ashpools desired in the novel. If there is not a system to limit the access and power that these corporations have, then Gibson’s future might soon be our reality
Image created by CHATGPT on November 12, 2024 (https://chatgpt.com/share/6733d65e-67dc-800a-a844-7f87878e5fc5)
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