“Serial Experiments Lain” is a Japanese anime television series directed by Ryūtarō Nakamura and produced by Yasuyuki Ueda, with character design by Yoshitoshi ABe. Premiering in 1998, the show delves deep into themes of reality, identity, and the evolving nature of technology, especially the internet. Its unique narrative and visual style have cemented its position as a cult classic and have left a lasting impression on internet culture.

The series revolves around Lain Iwakura, a teenage girl who becomes engrossed in the virtual world of the “Wired” (a term representing the internet within the show). As Lain delves deeper into the mysteries of the Wired, the line between reality and the digital world blurs, raising existential and philosophical questions about identity, reality, and human connection in the age of the internet.

“Serial Experiments Lain” remains a touchstone for discussions about the internet's impact on society. Its prescient take on the blending of online and offline identities was ahead of its time and remains relevant in today's era of augmented reality, virtual influencers, and digital personas.

The series, while not initially a massive commercial success, has gained significant recognition and respect over the years for its visionary approach and profound thematic depth. It stands as a testament to the power of animation to tackle complex societal issues and has secured its place in the annals of anime history.

As the boundaries between the digital and real worlds continue to blur, “Serial Experiments Lain” remains a poignant exploration of the challenges and mysteries of internet culture. Its legacy is not just in its narrative, but in how it has shaped, and continues to shape, discussions about technology, identity, and reality in the digital age.

[netculture]

Cyberpunk Revival: At a time when cyberpunk was experiencing a lull in popularity, “Serial Experiments Lain” breathed fresh life into the genre. Its exploration of the virtual realm and its impact on human psychology became a precursor to many cyberpunk-themed media that followed.

Memes and Fan Art: Iconic scenes and quotes from the series became meme material, shared and reshared on platforms like Tumblr, Reddit, and 4chan. Lain's character, in particular, has been the subject of countless fan art, portraying her in various scenarios both within and outside the show's universe.

Discussion Forums: Given the intricate and sometimes cryptic narrative of the show, numerous online forums and communities sprang up, dedicated to dissecting and interpreting the series. Some forums even theorized about the real-world implications of the Wired and drew parallels with the actual growth and influence of the internet. Many imageboards have spawned inspired by the show.

Fashion and Aesthetics : The unique art style and character designs influenced a subset of internet fashion, particularly within the realms of cybergoth and tech-wear. The “Lain aesthetic” became synonymous with a mix of traditional anime tropes and dark, techno-futuristic elements.

Philosophical Debates: The show's exploration of reality, consciousness, and the digital self spurred many philosophical debates online. Concepts introduced or explored in the series, such as the nature of existence in a digital age, became common topics of discussion in online philosophy and tech forums.

“Serial Experiments Lain” heavily incorporates concepts and references from various fields including technology, philosophy, and literature. This array of references in “Serial Experiments Lain” serves to weave a rich tapestry of ideas about reality, perception, and the influence of technology on human cognition and culture.

Notable mentions include:

1. Fenevar Bush and his “Memex” concept, an early idea about electronic storage, from his essay “As We May Think.”

2. Ted Nelson, who introduced the term “hypertext,” laying groundwork for today's HTML. His project, Project Xanadu, is historically significant.

3. Tim Berners-Lee, the creator of the World Wide Web, acknowledges Bush and Nelson's contributions.

4. The “Wired” in the series symbolizes the World Wide Web.

5. John C. Lilly is cited for his work with dolphins, psychedelic experiences, contact with alleged extraterrestrial entity ECCO, and the development of the sensory deprivation tank. Lilly's emphasis on the difference between representation and reality ties closely with the show's themes.

6. The series explores the use of Schumann Resonance for wireless connectivity.

7. Masami Eiri uploads his consciousness to the Wired, echoing ideas from Timothy Leary's “Eighth Circuit Model of Consciousness” and its seventh layer, the neurogenetic circuit, later expanded upon by Robert Anton Wilson.

8. The collective unconsciousness concept by Carl Jung parallels Leary's theory.

9. The “Knights of the Eastern Calculus” are inspired by the “Knights of the Lambda Calculus,” referencing lambda calculus developed by Alonzo Church.

10. “Cyberia,” the club in the series, derives its name from Douglas Rushkoff's book, which discusses internet culture and the idea of a global brain.

11. The “Majestic 12” or MJ-12, associated with UFO conspiracy theories, is used to illustrate the blending of fiction and reality, a major theme in the series.

12. Themes of hyperreality are explored, suggesting that distinguishing real from simulated reality has become challenging. Thinkers like Baudrillard argue that humans live in a layered simulation, away from real reality.

13. The influence of ideologies in shaping collective realities is touched upon, hinting at social constructs and works of thinkers like Vygotsky and Luckman and Berger.

14. References to literature are abundant. Lain's father's website password refers to a sci-fi story by Cordwainer Smith, “Think Blue, Count Two,” that delves into virtual and real personas. Also, a nod to Marcel Proust's “Swann's Way” occurs when Lain's father mentions madeleines, which in Proust's work triggers a deep involuntary memory of youth due to sensory stimuli.

“Serial Experiments Lain” is deeply philosophical, delving into the nature of existence, perception, responsibility, and the power dynamics of god-like omnipresence. This can be unpacked through various quotes and concepts drawn from the show:

• Existence & Perception: Two significant quotes from the series are, “I only exist in the minds of those who are aware of my own existence” by Lane, and “If you're not remembered, then you never actually existed” by Alice. These sentiments echo the philosophy of George Berkeley and his concept of idealism. For Berkeley, “to be is to be perceived.” Everything exists due to perception, and without perception, it ceases to be.
• God as the Ultimate Perceiver: According to Berkeley, God is the ultimate perceiver, always observing and thus allowing everything to exist. In the series, Lane is akin to this god-like figure, omnipresent and perceiving all, effectively willing everyone and everything into existence. Lane's realization of her omnipotence and the implications of this power are pivotal to the narrative.
• Existential Bad Faith: Drawing from Jean-Paul Sartre's existential philosophy, the concept of 'bad faith' arises when one denies their inherent freedom and responsibility. Lane grapples with her own 'bad faith' when she's hesitant to accept her powers and responsibilities. The nature of existence in existentialism posits that humans, devoid of inherent meaning, are free to create their own. Yet, with freedom comes responsibility. Evading this responsibility leads to 'bad faith.'
• Lane's Commentary on Humanity: Lane observes that humans, in their desire for meaning, create and worship various gods. Through these deities, humans try to understand their world. Her observation touches on humanity's inherent desire to seek meaning and structure in the vast ambiguity of existence.
• Acceptance & Erasure: After introspection and a crucial conversation with her father, Lane confronts her existential crisis. Taking responsibility for her actions, she makes the ultimate sacrifice by erasing memories of her existence to create a better world. However, in doing so, she effectively erases herself, showcasing the intricate balance between omnipotence and the limits of being perceived.

“Serial Experiments Lain” explores the implications of the digital age, identity, and the fluidity of existence, particularly as depicted through its protagonist, Lain, as she navigates the virtual realm called the “Wired.” The philosophical underpinnings of the series can be delineated as follows:

• Exploration & Self-Discovery: Lain uses the “Wired” (a representation of the internet) to uncover hidden facets of herself and the world around her. This journey illustrates the transformative power of digital exploration, which can lead to profound self-awareness.
• The Wired as a Rhizomatic Network: Drawing inspiration from the notion of rhizomatic networks, the “Wired” is seen as a non-linear, decentralized web of connections, resonating with the current era of “liquid modernity.” This reflects a time where boundaries and identities are fluid, rather than fixed.
• Post-Modern Perception & Technology: The series delves into post-modernist philosopher Jean-François Lyotard's insights from “The Inhuman.” Lyotard emphasized the shift from grand metanarratives to a multiplicity of narratives in the digital age. With technology's rise, especially AI, he pondered on the potential dehumanization of society, as machines increasingly mediate perception.
• Liquid Modernity & Identity: Echoing sociologist Zygmunt Bauman's concept of “liquid modernity,” the show portrays a world characterized by constant change and uncertainty. In such a world, identities are fluid, with individuals continually reshaping themselves, akin to nomads traveling through life, ever-evolving. Bauman's idea of the “caravan sarai” (rest stops for travelers) encapsulates this transient nature of existence.
• Multiplicity of Self: Throughout the series, Lain's constantly shifting appearance and disposition evoke the idea that identity in the digital age is not singular but multifaceted. She epitomizes the “liquid” individual who adopts various personas, challenging conventional notions of self.
• The Internet as a Field of Infinite Possibilities: Lain's journey in the “Wired” exemplifies the boundless possibilities the internet offers. She traverses this vast network, moving from one node to another, showcasing the endless pathways and connections the digital realm embodies.

In sum, “Serial Experiments Lain” contemplates the complexities of identity, technology, and existence in the digital age, suggesting that in a world dominated by networks and fluidity, the notion of a singular, unchanging self is obsolete. Instead, the digital age heralds a time of continuous transformation and redefinition.