Cyberpunk is a subgenre of science fiction that explores a future where advanced technology coexists with societal decay. It often features a high-tech, low-life environment, where powerful corporations dominate and individuals struggle for survival. Key elements include artificial intelligence, cybernetics, and virtual reality, often set against a backdrop of urban sprawl and neon lights. The genre is characterized by its focus on antiheroes and marginalized characters who navigate complex worlds filled with both danger and opportunity. Influential works like Neuromancer by William Gibson and films like Blade Runner have shaped the aesthetic and themes of cyberpunk, making it a significant cultural movement.