Technology in Fahrenheit 451 and the Real World
How technology affects society in Fahrenheit 451 and the real world
Every day, everywhere people are using technology to check email, calculate tax, and talk with each other. Technology has greatly affected the social structure today and in Fahrenheit 451. Technology has effected how the TV controls our lives, how we communicate with one another, and how strong the social structure is In both the real world and Fahrenheit 451.
Similarly to the real world, in Fahrenheit 451 the TV is a habitual action that diminishes social contact. In the real world too much TV leads to “the Mean World Syndrome.” (Sheldon). The Mean World Syndrome is a term for people who have watched so much TV that they believe that the world is a much more dangerous place then it actually is. In addition “Every hour spent watching TV, DVDs and videos as an adult reduces life expectancy by almost 22 minutes, a study suggests,”(Hope). This suggests that people will shave off years of their lives doing nothing but staring at a screen. In Fahrenheit 451 the TV is also a very consuming habit. For example Mildred says, “It’s really fun. It’ll be even more fun when we can afford to have the fourth TV wall installed.” (Fahrenheit 20). This quote shows how the TV is putting up a physical and an emotional barrier between family and friends. Although TV diminishes social contact in both Fahrenheit 451 and the real world, it is not as bad as it seems. TV has allowed companies to advertize to a larger audience. TV has also kept people informed about local crimes that have happened. For example, in Fahrenheit 451, when Montag is running away, the cameras broadcast his ‘murder’ to 20 million viewers. TV has taken control of many lives Fahrenheit 451 and the real world.
Human communication has greatly increased with the introduction of computers, email, phones, Etc. in the real world as opposed to the lack of communication displayed in Fahrenheit 451. In Fahrenheit 451 people are discouraged from venturing
Every day, everywhere people are using technology to check email, calculate tax, and talk with each other. Technology has greatly affected the social structure today and in Fahrenheit 451. Technology has effected how the TV controls our lives, how we communicate with one another, and how strong the social structure is In both the real world and Fahrenheit 451.
Similarly to the real world, in Fahrenheit 451 the TV is a habitual action that diminishes social contact. In the real world too much TV leads to “the Mean World Syndrome.” (Sheldon). The Mean World Syndrome is a term for people who have watched so much TV that they believe that the world is a much more dangerous place then it actually is. In addition “Every hour spent watching TV, DVDs and videos as an adult reduces life expectancy by almost 22 minutes, a study suggests,”(Hope). This suggests that people will shave off years of their lives doing nothing but staring at a screen. In Fahrenheit 451 the TV is also a very consuming habit. For example Mildred says, “It’s really fun. It’ll be even more fun when we can afford to have the fourth TV wall installed.” (Fahrenheit 20). This quote shows how the TV is putting up a physical and an emotional barrier between family and friends. Although TV diminishes social contact in both Fahrenheit 451 and the real world, it is not as bad as it seems. TV has allowed companies to advertize to a larger audience. TV has also kept people informed about local crimes that have happened. For example, in Fahrenheit 451, when Montag is running away, the cameras broadcast his ‘murder’ to 20 million viewers. TV has taken control of many lives Fahrenheit 451 and the real world.
Human communication has greatly increased with the introduction of computers, email, phones, Etc. in the real world as opposed to the lack of communication displayed in Fahrenheit 451. In Fahrenheit 451 people are discouraged from venturing
Cited: Bradbury, Ray. Fahrenheit 451. New York: Ballantine, 1982. Print. Sheldon, Pavica. "Psychologist Examines Effects of Technology Society." Psychologist Examines Effects of Technology Society. Newswise, n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2012. http://www.newswise.com/articles/psychologist-examines-effects-of-technology-society Richtel, Matt. "YOUR BRAIN ON COMPUTERS; Hooked on Gadgets, and Paying a Mental Price." The New York Times. The New York Times, 07 June 2010. Web. 27 Nov. 2012. http://www.nytimes.com/2010/06/07/technology/07brain.html?pagewanted=all Hope, Jenny. "Is Your TV Killing You? Every Hour of Viewing Takes 22 Minutes off Your Life, Couch Potatoes Are Warned." Mail Online. Associated Newspapers Ltd, n.d. Web. 27 Nov. 2012. http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2026380/TV-watching-Every-hour-takes-22-minutes-life.html