At what point can we say technology will go too far?
Every single day, everywhere we go, we are surrounded by computers, electronics, and the internet. Smartphones and laptops are so common they are practically a necessity for individuals to own. We store our documents in the cloud with Google Drive, and we find our entertainment through YouTube and Netflix. Social media like Facebook and Twitter dominates market share of website visits, and the value of mobile apps like Snapchat and Instagram have skyrocketed thanks to their millions of users. Corporations funnel millions into research and development to bring us new technologies like 4K televisions, smart watches, and even personal drones.
There is no doubt that tech has become one of the defining aspects of modern-day society. And there is no doubt that much of the innovations in technology have made our lives easier and happier. But, at the same time, we need to be able to identify boundaries, because this technology is so prevalent in our society, and because it is evolving so quickly. At some point down the line innovations may begin causing more harm than good, and it will be up to us as a society to recognize that.
The British anthology series Black Mirror, created by Charlie Brooker and produced by Netflix, examines this exact idea. Every hour-long episode is a new story, with a new set of characters and new consequences of technology to explore.
What is it about?
When your friend recommends you a show or movie and says “it’s too hard to explain, just watch it!”, 9/10 times they probably just don’t want to go to the effort of explainin
g the show, when the show actually isn’t very hard to explain.
But in the case of Black Mirror, this is that one time out of ten where the show actually is incredibly hard to explain. But there still is some context that can be given.
Starting with the basics, every episode is completely different. Not just a new storyline, but also new characters, a new setting, perhaps even a new, alternate reality.
The one thing all of these episodes have in common, however, is that every single one will lead you to think about technology differently. Technology is always a central part of episodes of Black Mirror, hence the name. (Look at your smartphone, TV, or monitor. Notice anything?)
One thing to note, however, is that this is not exactly a “happy” show. Black Mirror is actually extremely dark, and its characters practically never face happy endings. Is that something that could potentially discourage you from watching the show? Yes. Should it discourage you from watching the show then? Absolutely not, and I’ll explain why.
Why is it good?
The show is produced by Netflix, so you can trust it’s top-notch production value. But more than that, the stories that are told every episode are incredibly interesting. The characters are relatable, the writing and cinematography is fantastic, but more than anything, (perhaps in a somewhat scary way) the plot of every episode seems like it could happen in the real world. Whether it be 10, 20, or 100 years into the future, events that happen in this show always seem at least somewhat plausible for our actual society.
So the show leads you to think. It leads you to wonder, and question, and it might even cause an existential crisis as you sit in your room considering throwing your smartphone out the window. But believe me when I say that it evokes these responses in the best way possible, through a masterpiece of television that is truly captivating.
Nobody who has seen Black Mirror would deny that the show is extremely dark, and that it may even get upsetting at times. But in my opinion, television that is able to manipulate your emotions so well, and cause you to really think about society as a whole, is television worth watching. With that being said, it still might not be for everyone. But take it from me, and the show’s 96% “fresh” rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, that it’s at least worth giving a shot.
Every episode of Black Mirror is different, so there’s no requirement to start from the first one. So in the name of the holidays, I would recommend the Christmas special (season 2, episode 4, titled “White Christmas”) as a great place to start.
It’s on Netflix. Check it out. You won’t regret it.
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