Cyberdeck movement: Women build custom computers to reclaim digital control

A growing movement of women is reclaiming technological agency by building custom computers known as ‘cyberdecks’. This trend, which has gained traction on platforms like TikTok with thousands of posts, involves creating personalized computing setups with unique aesthetics, ranging from seashell-themed shells to Hello Kitty designs.

While the term ‘cyberdeck’ originates from William Gibson’s 1984 science fiction novel ‘Neuromancer’, the modern DIY movement serves as a rebellion against the standardized, male-dominated design of mainstream technology. Participants view the construction of their own hardware as a way to regain control over a digital ecosystem that has become increasingly controlled by corporate algorithms and restrictive online environments.