The Future According to "Black Mirror"

Despite my best efforts to avoid it, I was recently coerced into watching a few episodes of “Black Mirror”, which is a newer Netflix original series. It examines modern society, specifically covering topics that involve the possible consequences of new technologies. Each episode involves different characters and a different topic, usually set in the near future, with underlying themes that are dark and mysterious. I have avoided watching it because first of all, I have heard it can be creepy at times, along with being vulgar with some subjects and imagery. I also did not want to watch it because I knew it was a show about the harsh reality of our future society if we continue to evolve technology in the way we are doing it. In numerous of my previous blogs, I have talked about my belief in the importance of technology and social media for advancement of relationships and connections. So, watching a show that lists all the negatives of it and shows the possible results is not something I am particularly interested in. Still, I knew I could learn a lot from watching it, so decided to watch a few to ease me into it. 

I cannot say I am entirely pleased with the show and the aggressive approach it takes with the topics, but that is mostly because I am fearful it will come true. Because of the exponential growth of technology over the past few decades, there is not doubt in mind the road it could go down in the near future. Watching this show and seeing the reality of it right in front of my eyes was a truly terrifying and uncomfortable feeling. I have always vouched for social media and the importance it has in today’s world, but after this, I am reluctant to support it as much. Yet, at the same time, I know I can stay supporting it, as long as I am aware of the possible consequences of it. People who are not fearful of where technology may be in the near future are ignorant to the truth of the situation. Being knowledgeable and having the correct information about the subject is the first step in attempting to prevent it from happening. Am I saying I can single-handedly stop this epidemic from occurring? No, not in any sense, but I do believe education is the first step. Technology is a resource being abused by humans who are not willing to be apart of the change that needs to be made. There are many positive attributes that come with social media and technology advancement, but since neither are being used properly, no one can see them. When shows like “Black Mirror” go to the extreme they do, it makes people want to give up because the situation seems inevitable to them. But, people need to become aware that they can choose not to be as involved with technology in order to prevent the issues.

Don’t get me wrong, this show was amazing at opening my eyes to the harsh reality of the future and I do believe it was needed. I just think people do not understand the point of the show. People are blaming technology for the issues when those people are not willing to change themselves first. Before giving up and falling victim to problems that have not occurred, we need to become educated on what we can do to use these resources properly. I am aware of how many times I have repeated myself on this topic, but it remains a frustrating subject for me. I am tired of people blaming social media before stepping back to reevaluate what they can control. I am not saying social media platforms have been perfect angels, but there are easy solutions to some of the problems being brought up time and time again. Social media has the potential to be something great for relationships and making connections, but if we do not work to stop some of the things pointed out in “Black Mirror”, we will fall victim to our biggest fears.