Cyberspace:
The final frontier
Dr. Tomorrow has
seen the future...
and likes what he sees
By BRYAN DEARSLEY
Assistant Editor
Cyberspace: A term, popularized by science fiction author William Ford Gibson, for the shared imaginary reality of computer networks. Some people use cyberspace as a synonym for the Internet.
The Internet Dictionary
r. Tomorrow has seen the future. And he likes what he sees. "It's an electronic universe called cyberspace," claims the Doc, perhaps better known as Frank Ogden, a 76-year-old author, futurist and expert on what he calls the "bleeding edge" of the electronic renaissance.
"The future is a place in time where everything's up for grabs. And I've already staked my claim," he adds.
Ogden's mother-lode in cyberspace -- that nebulous world you enter when communicating via computers and the Internet -- revolves around his company, which monitors more than 200 satellite channels and 4,000 of the world's leading data banks. Called 21st Century Media Communications Inc., the company, along with his globe-trotting activities as a consultant and speaker on future trends, provides him with a not-insignificant income of $450,000 (U.S.) each year. Plus there's the books -- The Last Book You'll Ever Read (which, in typical Ogden style, was actually his first book) followed by last year's Navigating in Cyberspace -- both firmly cementing his reputation as a world authority on all things hi-tech.
To his credit, Ogden's not one to brag. He's quick to point out that more than 50 per cent of his earnings get gobbled up in taxes. He is, in fact, soft spoken, somewhat self-effacing and exceedingly polite. From his electronic-houseboat tucked away in a bustling Vancouver harbor -- "Ogden Central", connected to the outside world with just about every communications device known to man (and probably a few that aren't) -- Ogden is keen to spread the word about a topic he feels gets little coverage: Older Canadians and computer technology."Most seniors are afraid of technology," he says. "But computers today are actually no more complicated than the electric stove or a TV set was in the past. They're really just communications tools, and we can all learn to use them."
Along with his predictions of genetically-produced children and robot spouses, Ogden envisages a future where millions of older Canadians are wired-up to cyberspace, allowing unlimited access to the mountains of information stored in the data banks of universities, corporations and museums around the world. All it takes is a computer (rapidly changing technologies ensure there's always a good supply of excellent used machines available), a fax-modem and away you go. Then, for the really adventurous there's the Connectix Ball, a $100 device the size of a billiard ball that plugs into your computer and allows global video conferencing for just a dollar an hour. With this device in place, you can actually see the grandkids whenever you connect up for a chat, whatever the distance between you.
"Instead of being isolated -- whether you're in a nursing home or living by yourself -- with this little gadget hooked up to an ordinary phone line, you can communicate with anybody. You just have to become computer literate." While doing so may sound like a daunting proposition, Ogden is most reassuring that it's not. "You can have your grandkids teach you how to send electronic-mail (E-mail) anywhere in the world," he says. "Nursing homes and seniors groups should in fact hire computer-literate teachers to instruct them. And none of these teachers should be over the age of 15 -- again, why not get the grandkids to help? These kids will provide a fresh insight that will make older folks think younger, and they can teach you far quicker than if you try to go it alone." Once connected, what can you expect to find in cyberspace? According to Ogden, you're only limited by your imagination. He enthuses about writing to relatives oversees and getting instant replies; of donning special virtual-reality helmets which let you hang-glide over the Grand Canyon, without actually having to venture further than the comfort of your living room; and -- are you ready for this one? -- even cybersex.
"Cybersex is coming," says Ogden. "You'll soon be able to put on a glove with a built-in mini-computer, a cyberspace helmet and an electronic bodystocking. If someone in England strokes their arm, and they're wired up to you here in Canada, you'll experience the sensation of touch. Let's say you have an older relative who's bedridden, and she's dreaming of a computer-hacker who looks like Rudolf Valentino. You say Granny, have I got a trip for you.' You put her in the bodystocking, give her the glove and helmet and she's instantly transported to the Sahara Desert. Across the sand rides the handsome sheik of her dreams -- he swoops her up and whisks her away to his tent...of course, she ends up staying for the night. A night to remember." While these potential fantasies aren't accessible to everyone just yet, Ogden predicts it's just a matter of time before we're all connected to cyberspace -- whether for work or play.
"Many of us already live in two worlds," he says."I'm in a different world when I'm in cyberspace, doing everything at the speed of light, compared to when I'm in what we now call reality. But, in time, the barrier between the two will diffuse and eventually blend."
Until then, dabbling in cyberspace will just have to do. To learn more about Frank Ogden, you can return to his Web-site, http://www.drtomorrow.com.
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