Technology In George Orwell's 1984
Society has been rapidly advancing in many fields of science, but people keep a wary eye out for technology’s rapid and constant improvements. The public has expressed their desire for increased security, but they shy away from government interference. With today’s technology and paranoia, society is closer to 1984’s “Big Brother” scenario than it has ever been before. However, at the same time, a full blown out “Party” control seems impossible due to the mass awareness spread through Orwell’s 1984. The technology in “1984” is fictitious; however, society’s current technology is certainly catching up. In “1984” the party utilizes microphones and telescreens, two-way television-like instruments, in order to have constant surveillance on the
people of Oceania. Schools in Texas are already implementing the use of surveillance technology through chips. Kevin Matthews, in his article “How Schools Use Computer Chips to Monitor Our Kids”, writes about his distaste for these 1984-esque chips. His article constantly alludes to 1984 showing how our tech is becoming oppressive. He also speaks of the community protesting against such chips. This proves our society is aware and keeping government control in check. Technology is put to multiple uses through its many users, some having more government interference than others. Long Beach is a great example of this. The city of Long Beach is allowing their police force to tap into privately owned surveillance cameras to access vision in more crime scenes. This greatly reminds people of 1984’s telescreens. They are basically able to see anyone any time of the day. The check on this however, is that people need to give cops access to their cameras. Police can’t just go hack into the cameras without permission. People are able to avoid a 1984 outcome. Many are paranoid that Big Brother will happen, but raising awareness will save us from this potential disaster. Recently U.S. citizens have been buying copies of 1984 to increase their knowledge on orwellian societies. The election of Donald Trump has been the main cause of this increase. This raised awareness has allowed us to keep him in check. Even though our technology is getting closer to that of the Party’s, our awareness of the possibility of totalitarian control is what will save us from “Big Brother.” technology is becoming “doubleplusungood,” but we as people are smart enough and aware enough to say, “Down with Big Brother!”
people of Oceania. Schools in Texas are already implementing the use of surveillance technology through chips. Kevin Matthews, in his article “How Schools Use Computer Chips to Monitor Our Kids”, writes about his distaste for these 1984-esque chips. His article constantly alludes to 1984 showing how our tech is becoming oppressive. He also speaks of the community protesting against such chips. This proves our society is aware and keeping government control in check. Technology is put to multiple uses through its many users, some having more government interference than others. Long Beach is a great example of this. The city of Long Beach is allowing their police force to tap into privately owned surveillance cameras to access vision in more crime scenes. This greatly reminds people of 1984’s telescreens. They are basically able to see anyone any time of the day. The check on this however, is that people need to give cops access to their cameras. Police can’t just go hack into the cameras without permission. People are able to avoid a 1984 outcome. Many are paranoid that Big Brother will happen, but raising awareness will save us from this potential disaster. Recently U.S. citizens have been buying copies of 1984 to increase their knowledge on orwellian societies. The election of Donald Trump has been the main cause of this increase. This raised awareness has allowed us to keep him in check. Even though our technology is getting closer to that of the Party’s, our awareness of the possibility of totalitarian control is what will save us from “Big Brother.” technology is becoming “doubleplusungood,” but we as people are smart enough and aware enough to say, “Down with Big Brother!”