The Matrix vs Snow Crash

Regarding the recently read novel Snow Crash versus the movie The Matrix I would say that there are clear similarities, but nonetheless differences. Both rely on highly developed simulated worlds that allow users to embody an avatar of binary-based flesh and blood. The simulated world in The Matrix, the matrix, is basically as similar to the real world as possible, but for what we know at the beginning of this century, these worlds are not yet created. At least not in their full senses. The interfaces are a bit different, since in the matrix the user logs on by inserting a cable into the back of the head, but in Snow Crash the user logs in to the Metaverse by wearing a certain type of goggles connected to a computer. The Metaverse is then presented as a program in the computer. Consequently, the user has to be connected to a computer at the time. This could of course lead to some mobility, whereas while the user is in the matrix he is not able to move, talk or act in the real world.

Both worlds are created worlds, which means that they are created based on the real world. In the matrix, the user is presented to what the real world used to look like before the machines took over. Machines built by humans. The Metaverse is a created program, made by several hackers in the real world. When entering the matrix, or the Metaverse, one with the right knowledge may create new programs to change or add things to the program. In the matrix Tank, the operator, downloads numerous of programs into Neos mind, or rather the avatar’s mind. In doing this, he learns martial arts, how to ride a motorcycle and how to fly helicopters.

A major difference between these two simulated worlds is the matter of death. If an avatar dies in the matrix, the user’s body in the real world dies as well. This makes the matrix closer to reality and makes the Metaverse into a mere program, or game, since if your avatar dies, you get thrown out and have to wait until the graveyard daemons takes away the avatars body. Then, after some time the user is welcome to log on to the Metaverse again.

This matter of death was true until the arrival of the virus Snow Crash. It is presented as a virus in the Metaverse, but known as a drug in the real world. When an avatar receives this virus, in the shape of a small card and uses it the computer get snow crashed, meaning that the screen is filled with binary code. This code can only be read by hackers, since they are the only ones who understand it. What the virus does is that it completely crashes the computer, but it also “overloads” the brain of the user and destroys the person wearing the goggles. With this kind of viruses the reality and simulated worlds like the Metaverse are no longer as separate as we are used to. It has always been possible to log of from games by simply pressing a button, but it has never been possible to log out from reality by acting in the game.

The question of interaction gets questioned in this kind of contexts. Does the user interact with the game or does the user just simply allow the game, or technology in a wider sense, interact with reality? What has, until now, only been dangerous in the way that it keeps fat kids away from exercise may suddenly have fatal consequenses.