In recent months, the internet has witnessed an explosion in popularity of cyberdecks – small, customized computers built by enthusiasts using open-source hardware. But what started as a niche hobby among tech-savvy individuals has evolved into a full-fledged movement, with women at its forefront.
The trend began to gain traction on social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, where users are sharing their DIY cyberdeck creations, often with an artistic twist. For instance, CC, a self-proclaimed “open source baddie,” has built a cyberdeck inside a pink mermaid shell that doubles as an e-reader and AI setup.
But the movement is not just about aesthetics; it’s also a response to the growing concern over big tech’s surveillance capabilities. Women are using their DIY cyberdecks as a way to push back against the homogeneity of mainstream technology, creating something truly unique in the process.
Maro Vardanyan, a blockchain developer, has taken a different approach to building cyberdecks. She emphasizes the historic relationship between fiber art and technology, referring to her work as “crocheting with computers” or “macrame motherboards.” Before silicon processors, some early computers ran on magnetic-core memory, made up of copper wiring that was precisely threaded to encode the 1s and 0s of binary code.
Vardanyan started weaving pink Raspberry Pis to make purses and corsets, then posted photos of her works-in-progress on X. When the macrame went viral, she faced criticism from men who said it was a waste of the Raspberry Pi or that the GPIO would lose energy. However, Vardanyan explained that she uses conductive thread, so the cyberdeck is fully functioning.
The rise of cyberdecks has become a form of resistance against big tech’s surveillance. By building and customizing their own computers, women are taking control back into their hands and creating something truly unique. This trend is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creativity, self-expression, and the desire to break free from the homogeneity of big tech.
The DIY cyberdeck movement has also sparked a conversation around ownership and control in the tech industry. As CC pointed out, “If you try to jailbreak it, if you try to do anything to this phone that you paid $1,000 for, that you own, it’s out of warranty.” The cyberdecks built by these women are not just functional devices; they’re also a statement against the restrictive nature of mainstream technology.
The movement is still in its early stages, but its impact is already being felt. Women are coming together to share their knowledge and skills, creating a sense of community and solidarity that’s rare in the tech industry. As Vardanyan said, “It’s not just about building computers; it’s about building connections and relationships.”
Source: Original article