Why Black Mirror Has Completely Ruined The Allure of Technology
The daring new Netflix hit is probably the best show you’re not watching.
Technological innovation is progressing exponentially — and it has drastically altered the way humans can interact with the world, but at what cost?
Netflix’s latest original, Black Mirror, illuminates this. The show is a science-fiction anthology series debuting its third season exclusively on Netflix. It’s presented via popular satirical writer Charlie Brooker, who has written for the vast majority of the show, including its first incarnation on the Channel 4 Television network in Britain.
The show itself centres around a world of futuristic technological enhancements — some of which currently exist in our society, and attempts to accentuate some of the the subtle flaws that come with consumerism.
Each episode follows a different side of tech, with a different cast and plot, and explores the adverse effects of said technology, that can on occasion come at the risk of trading off personal values in order to technologically revolutionize the human experience.
The one problem though is deciphering the true nature behind these innovations: are they really contributing to the betterment of society? Or is it all just a piece in a much more sinister puzzle?
The parallel distinction made between the futuristic setting and our contemporary reality becomes evident when the characters on the show react and adapt to new technologies in a way most would describe as reflective of the society we already exist in.
The viewer is constantly left with a set of indirect rhetorical question: when has technology progressed too far? Will we even be able to identify when it does?
This progression of technology will be identifiable in a manner that is represented through many facets. These various mediums include avenues such as, social media networks or enhancing an experience of life. These changes include being able to alter one’s immersion in entertainment which is much akin to current virtual reality technology. In essence these facts compliment the commentary made by the show on these advancements.
The show’s narrative varies from episode to episode, and serves to leave viewers with a pretty existentially jarring viewing experience. Especially when understanding how deeply rooted technology is in our society, and the problematic nature of its consequences.
Also, certain episodes leave the viewer in a state of hysteria while deeply contemplating the plausibility of advancements that showrunner Charlie Brooker prescribes as “just five minutes away”.
The show tackles themes like transcendence of consciousness after death, war propaganda, online anonymity and surveillance. It looks to provide a hypothetical looking glass into the near future, illustrating clearly possible consequences if we continue to pursue technological advancement in hopes of making life more convenient.
With the six-episode third season on Netflix, it suffices to say that Black Mirror is undoubtedly one of the most inquisitive shows on the streaming service. It looks to subtlety question the enhancements to our current society’s technological needs rather than naively accept any form of convenience afforded through technology, without questioning the ramifications that may not be blatantly obvious.
Season 4 is slated to hit Netflix sometime in 2017.
