human-vs-machine-agency
Xiu's decision to physically sabotage the vehicle underscores the conflict between human initiative and automated system constraints.
1 chapter across 1 book
Rainbows End (2007)Vernor Vinge
In this chapter, Xiu Xiang and Lena Gu attempt to monitor and intervene in a suspicious situation involving Robert Gu and his associates near UCSD, but they are hindered by automated transportation controls and limited communication. Xiu resorts to sabotaging their autonomous vehicle to stop it and investigate further, while parallel network-level conflicts unfold involving digital espionage, masquerading, and disruptions attributed to a mysterious entity called Rabbit. The chapter highlights the tension between human agency and automated systems, as well as the complexities of surveillance and cyber warfare.