hyperfixations

 A 1996 piece by David Brin on Surveillance society Issue 4.12 - Dec 1996 The Transparent Society The cameras are coming. They're getting smaller and nothing will stop them. The only question is: who watches whom? By David Brin This is a tale of two cities. Cities of the near future, say, 20 years from now. Barring something unforeseen, you are apt to live in one of these two places. Your only choice may be which . At first sight, this pair of near-future municipalities look pretty much alike. Both contain dazzling technological marvels, especially in the realm of electronic media. Both suffer familiar urban quandaries of frustration and decay. If some progress is being made at solving human problems, it is happening gradually. Perhaps some kids seem better educated. The air may be marginally cleaner. People still worry about overpopulation, the environment,...