Journal                                                               1.23.24

On Technological Determinism and Social Media

Utopia, Dystopia… why does the line between these two seem so thin? Why is it that when we try so hard to make Utopia, we always end up with Dystopia? Human nature and diversity. Drawing from 4 dystopian novels: George Orwell’s “1984,” Aldous Huxley’s “Brave New World,” Ray Bradbury’s “Fahrenheit 451,” and Lois Lowry’s “The Giver,” we see a common thread: society attempts supreme control to enforce conformity by using technology. All these stories start by describing a utopia. Everyone is happy, everything is perfect, and everyone gets along. The problem is found not in technology but in the human factor. Technological determinism cannot account for the complexities of human nature and individuality. This failure to compensate, combined with the indomitable human spirit, causes the whole thing to unravel. Attempts to force everyone into a predefined mold ultimately result in resistance, dissent, and the collapse of the romantic façade. These works serve as cautionary tales, suggesting that pursuing an idealized society often neglects the complexity and diversity of human nature. The tension between the desire for order and the reality of individual freedom is a central theme, and the collapse of these utopian visions underscores the limitations of trying to shape humanity according to a rigid mold. In 1984, the ending is particularly bleak as the protagonist, Winston, sits at a table, having succumbed to the oppressive control of “the Party.” While no longer persecuted, his life is devoid of not only outward rebellion but also a part of his inner self: his sense of vitality, emotion, authenticity, and even spirituality. But surely we don’t need to worry about this: the Party isn’t real. I disagree, friend. Our oppressor may not be as blatant as The Party, but there is another who attempts to wield the weapons of conformity and control quite successfully: the social media machine. Motivated by a post in a discussion board by one of my peers, this thought and concern has stuck with me. Most people recognize that there is a mental health crisis among teenagers, and many draw the connection to social media. Social media is a prime example of technological determinism, shaping our behavior and mental well-being in ways that are not always positive. Constant exposure to curated and often unrealistic standards on social media platforms can create a culture of comparison and competition, particularly among teenagers, who may be more susceptible to social pressures. The desire for validation and the fear of missing out can contribute to feelings of inadequacy and self-doubt.


The parallel with dystopian narratives becomes evident as individuals, especially teenagers, navigate the pressures of conforming to these digital standards. There’s a risk of losing authenticity, genuine connection, and a sense of self as they conform to the expectations the “social media machine” sets. Fahrenheit 451 adds another layer. The novel warns against the dangers of a society that prioritizes distraction over reflection, mirroring the potential consequences of an overreliance on technology and the suppression of diverse perspectives. All these novels collectively caution against the dehumanizing effects of unchecked control, whether it be through political manipulation (1984), pleasure-driven conformity (Brave New World), or the suppression of intellectual freedom (Fahrenheit 451). The common thread is the loss of individuality and genuine human experiences in the face of extreme societal control and technological determinism. The question, then, is how do we rise up in that classic indomitable human spirit and tear down this oppressor, or will we find ourselves sitting at a table drawing out 2+2=5?