Techshock

Called “Transhuman Dis-associative Neurosis” clinically. Techshock most commonly correlates with excessive cybernetic implants or performance-enhancing drug use, but severe trauma or injury are also commonly associated with Techshock.

it is said to be a state of disaffection and alienation from society and humanity. People are advised to avoid elective use of cybernetics and performance-enhancing drugs, as this is claimed to make them inhuman and unacceptable to a social-minded individual.

Techshock is a condition of great concern within the inner city where people are carefully watched by the Community Peace Officers and referred to Community Support Agents if they behave unusually. Some so diagnosed are harmless, simply lost in their own world cut off from society. Agents attempt to direct them towards an acceptable sociable way of behaving in society and normalise them “for their own good”.

In the slums, where people are able to question the authorities, it's contested as to whether Techshock is even a real thing. The definition is loose enough that almost anyone could be classified as Techshock if the right people want them to be. Obvious cases that will meet criteria are those who are self-destructive, violent or aggressive, but an isolated non-verbal recluse who is otherwise capable of making a living and is happy with their life could equally be classified as Techshocked by the authorities for being antisocial.

Rumour has it that some cases of Techshock are actually political action, to keep troublemakers under control by discrediting them as “ill” and keeping them locked up “for their protection”. For these people, disagreeing or resisting control will only confirm the diagnosis and raise claims that they are a threat to themselves.

In the slums, there is little treatment or care available for those who could be diagnosed with Techshock. The slums do little to obstruct strange or eccentric behavior. As long as a resident's behavior doesn't cause any disturbance to anyone else, they will typically be left to their own devices.