#dystopia
#dystopia

Humanoid robot springs to life in 'dystopian' viral video: 'Straight out of science fiction'

The Protoclone humanoid robot has sparked both fascination and fear among viewers, with many perceiving it as a step toward dystopia.

fromIndependent

1 hour ago

Digital life

Catherine Prasifka: Forget the fad diets, protein popcorn and religious training regimens - your body is not a machine to be hacked

Technology is shaping how we perceive bodily perfection and happiness, potentially leading to negative consequences for those deemed 'imperfect'.

fromWIRED

Gadgets

All the 'Black Mirror' Season 7 Episodes Ranked

Black Mirror season 7 explores complex themes of technology, relationships, and dystopia with six new episodes, showcasing both engaging and lackluster stories.

1 week ago

Digital life

Black Mirror' Showed Us a Future. Some of It Is Here Now.

Black Mirror warns against the dangers of unchecked technological advancement and its impact on society.

Writing

40 years of cyberpunk: A dystopian future that seems all too real today

Cyberpunk represents a future shaped by the complexities of technology and capitalism, often resembling our current societal struggles.

Writing

fromVulture

The Minority Report Gets a Trump-Era Update

The Dream Hotel serves as a warning about the dangers of blindly trusting technology and failing to read the fine print of innovations.

It critiques the surveillance state and the misuse of data under the guise of safety.

Artificial intelligence

Humanoid robot springs to life in 'dystopian' viral video: 'Straight out of science fiction'

The Protoclone humanoid robot has sparked both fascination and fear among viewers, with many perceiving it as a step toward dystopia.

Digital life

fromIndependent

1 hour ago

Catherine Prasifka: Forget the fad diets, protein popcorn and religious training regimens - your body is not a machine to be hacked

Technology is shaping how we perceive bodily perfection and happiness, potentially leading to negative consequences for those deemed 'imperfect'.

Gadgets

fromWIRED

All the 'Black Mirror' Season 7 Episodes Ranked

Black Mirror season 7 explores complex themes of technology, relationships, and dystopia with six new episodes, showcasing both engaging and lackluster stories.

Digital life

1 week ago

Black Mirror' Showed Us a Future. Some of It Is Here Now.

Black Mirror warns against the dangers of unchecked technological advancement and its impact on society.

Writing

40 years of cyberpunk: A dystopian future that seems all too real today

Cyberpunk represents a future shaped by the complexities of technology and capitalism, often resembling our current societal struggles.

50 Years Ago, A Dystopian Sci-Fi Cult Classic Beat Hunger Games To The Punch

Dystopian narratives often reflect societal fears around totalitarianism and escapism through violent entertainment.

US politics

fromIndependent

5 days ago

Martina Devlin: Never mind the 'liberal elites', it's Trump and his allies on the right who pose the biggest threat to free speech

The portrayal of free speech and populism in 'Years and Years' reflects current societal tensions and fears of extremism.

World politics

fromThe Nation

1 week ago

Trump's Deranged Land Grabs Would Make Sense to Big Brother

Orwell's depiction of mass hatred in 1984 serves as a warning against the perils of propaganda and the manipulation of public emotion.

#anime

SOMA, SF

Lazarus' Is a Dark and Kinetic Adventure

Lazarus explores a dystopian future where a miracle drug turns deadly, prompting a desperate search for the antidote.

Beer

Stream It Or Skip It: 'Lazarus' on Max/Adult Swim, a new anime series from the creator of 'Cowboy Bebop'

The anime Lazarus explores a dystopian future where a once-beneficial drug becomes a deadly threat to humanity.

Creator Shinichiro Watanabe combines action and music with themes of corruption and survival.

SOMA, SF

Lazarus' Is a Dark and Kinetic Adventure

Lazarus explores a dystopian future where a miracle drug turns deadly, prompting a desperate search for the antidote.

Beer

Stream It Or Skip It: 'Lazarus' on Max/Adult Swim, a new anime series from the creator of 'Cowboy Bebop'

The anime Lazarus explores a dystopian future where a once-beneficial drug becomes a deadly threat to humanity.

Creator Shinichiro Watanabe combines action and music with themes of corruption and survival.

"The Handmaid's Tale" Reflects the Exhaustion of Liberal Feminism

Elisabeth Moss's performance in "The Handmaid's Tale" highlights an era's anxieties surrounding women's rights and societal control.

fromInverse

Miscellaneous

8 Years Later, The Most Brutal Dystopian Show Is Finally Ending

The Handmaid's Tale's final season is set to deliver a hopeful narrative amid its dystopian themes.

Women

fromThe New Yorker

"The Handmaid's Tale" Reflects the Exhaustion of Liberal Feminism

Elisabeth Moss's performance in "The Handmaid's Tale" highlights an era's anxieties surrounding women's rights and societal control.

fromInverse

Miscellaneous

8 Years Later, The Most Brutal Dystopian Show Is Finally Ending

The Handmaid's Tale's final season is set to deliver a hopeful narrative amid its dystopian themes.

more#the-handmaids-tale

What to read this weekend: Warm Fusion brings biotech and body horror to a gritty NYC of the future

Warm Fusion captivates readers with its blend of body horror, cyberpunk, and a gripping mystery involving a detective and a dangerous scientist.

Independent films

Stream It Or Skip It: '2073' on Max, a hybrid documentary/sci-fi story speculating on society's desmise

2073 is a hybrid documentary/sci-fi film warning about future authoritarianism and environmental decline.

fromKotaku

OMG science

Mickey 17 Trailer Shows Off Bong Joon-Ho's Sci-Fi Dark Comedy About Killing Robert Pattinson Over And Over Again

Mickey 17, directed by Bong Joon-ho, explores cloning in a dystopian setting, featuring Robert Pattinson as an expendable character who rebels.

NYC startup

fromEngadget

What to read this weekend: Warm Fusion brings biotech and body horror to a gritty NYC of the future

Warm Fusion captivates readers with its blend of body horror, cyberpunk, and a gripping mystery involving a detective and a dangerous scientist.

Independent films

Stream It Or Skip It: '2073' on Max, a hybrid documentary/sci-fi story speculating on society's desmise

2073 is a hybrid documentary/sci-fi film warning about future authoritarianism and environmental decline.

fromKotaku

OMG science

Mickey 17 Trailer Shows Off Bong Joon-Ho's Sci-Fi Dark Comedy About Killing Robert Pattinson Over And Over Again

Mickey 17, directed by Bong Joon-ho, explores cloning in a dystopian setting, featuring Robert Pattinson as an expendable character who rebels.

more#sci-fi

#artificial-intelligence

Artificial intelligence

Terrifying study reveals AI robots have passed 'Turing test' - and are now indistinguishable from humans, scientists say

AI technology is now advanced enough that it is difficult for people to distinguish between humans and bots.

fromwww.hamhigh.co.uk

Independent films

East is South: Limp thriller on God-like potential of AI fails to ignite

The play explores the implications of AI taking over and questions the nature of belief systems and authority.

Artificial intelligence

Terrifying study reveals AI robots have passed 'Turing test' - and are now indistinguishable from humans, scientists say

AI technology is now advanced enough that it is difficult for people to distinguish between humans and bots.

fromwww.hamhigh.co.uk

more#artificial-intelligence

Independent films

East is South: Limp thriller on God-like potential of AI fails to ignite

The play explores the implications of AI taking over and questions the nature of belief systems and authority.

What Happens to Us if We No Longer Must Make an Effort?

Automation and reliance on machines could erode our mental flexibility and ambition.

fromA Philosopher's Blog

philosophy

Enslaved by the Machine

Emma Goldman's critique illustrates a persistent fear of humanity's servitude to machines, highlighting both historical and contemporary implications of automation.

Gadgets

fromPsychology Today

What Happens to Us if We No Longer Must Make an Effort?

Automation and reliance on machines could erode our mental flexibility and ambition.

fromA Philosopher's Blog

philosophy

Enslaved by the Machine

Emma Goldman's critique illustrates a persistent fear of humanity's servitude to machines, highlighting both historical and contemporary implications of automation.

The Excesses of "Mickey 17"

Bong Joon-ho's 'Mickey 17' critiques societal hierarchies through dark humor in a dystopian space setting.

Themes of disposability and value of human life are central to the film's narrative.

What Octavia Butler saw on Feb. 1, 2025, three decades ago

Butler's dystopian vision reflects ongoing societal challenges, urging a future filled with hope despite rising inequality and climate issues.

fromOpen Culture

4 weeks ago

Film

In 1927, Fritz Lang's Metropolis Created a Dystopian Vision of What the World Would Look Like in 2026-and It Hits Close to Home

The film 'Metropolis' explores class struggle and social inequality against a backdrop of a divided futuristic society.

Black Lives Matter

fromAxios

fromThe Wire Magazine - Adventures In Modern Music

What Octavia Butler saw on Feb. 1, 2025, three decades ago

Butler's dystopian vision reflects ongoing societal challenges, urging a future filled with hope despite rising inequality and climate issues.

fromOpen Culture

4 weeks ago

Film

In 1927, Fritz Lang's Metropolis Created a Dystopian Vision of What the World Would Look Like in 2026-and It Hits Close to Home

The film 'Metropolis' explores class struggle and social inequality against a backdrop of a divided futuristic society.

more#social-inequality

4 weeks ago

Digital life

"Steeped in dystopian dread": Clipping and Black Rain reviewed - The Wire

Neuromancer's themes remain relevant today, reflected in modern adaptations like Black Rain's music.

Cultural products can shape perceptions and interpretations of dystopian narratives over time.

#severance

Film

fromdesignboom | architecture & design magazine

Patricia Arquette on Trump, communes, art and ageing: When I was growing up the whole world was pretty creepy'

Patricia Arquette reflects on her character in Severance and the themes of indoctrination, self-deception, and the darker aspects of human nature.

Design

severance: a closer look into the mid-century, brutalist, and retro-futuristic universe of lumon

Severance masterfully combines retro-futuristic aesthetics and mid-century modernism to create a psychologically provocative world.

Miscellaneous

Trump's squid game: The danger of second seasons

The second season of Squid Game faces challenges in maintaining audience engagement due to the loss of surprise.

Film

fromdesignboom | architecture & design magazine

Patricia Arquette on Trump, communes, art and ageing: When I was growing up the whole world was pretty creepy'

Patricia Arquette reflects on her character in Severance and the themes of indoctrination, self-deception, and the darker aspects of human nature.

Design

severance: a closer look into the mid-century, brutalist, and retro-futuristic universe of lumon

Severance masterfully combines retro-futuristic aesthetics and mid-century modernism to create a psychologically provocative world.

Miscellaneous

Trump's squid game: The danger of second seasons

The second season of Squid Game faces challenges in maintaining audience engagement due to the loss of surprise.

more#severance

Books

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins review second Hunger Games prequel is not for the faint-hearted

The Hunger Games series explores themes of power, agency, and media manipulation in a dystopian setting.

Women in technology

fromThe Atlantic

An All-Female Society, Pushed to Extremes

Agustina Bazterrica's "The Unworthy" presents a complex view of women's communities, illustrating themes of hierarchies, survival, and the nuanced relationships among women.

Social media marketing

Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams review Zuckerberg and me

Facebook's culture masks a troubling disregard for ethical implications of its actions while pursuing power and influence.

Music

fromwww.npr.org

The Contenders, Vol. 6: The songs we can't stop playing this week

This year's best songs offer solace for existential dread amid a dystopian backdrop.

fromwww.esquire.com

US politics

'Paradise' Episode 6 Recap: What Happened?

The Hulu drama 'Paradise' consistently delivers unexpected twists, maintaining viewer engagement and suspense.

#job-security

fromSlate Magazine

Miscellaneous

I Just Got Trump's "Buyout" Offer at My Job. Let Me Tell You How That's Going.

The Trump administration's actions toward federal employees have created a confusing and troubling atmosphere regarding job security.

fromDefector

Miscellaneous

Confused Brits Cause Severe Damage At The Donald Trump Propaganda Factory | Defector

Working in conservative media offers a mix of envy and pity, marked by the lack of dignity and the nature of the content produced.

fromSlate Magazine

Miscellaneous

I Just Got Trump's "Buyout" Offer at My Job. Let Me Tell You How That's Going.

The Trump administration's actions toward federal employees have created a confusing and troubling atmosphere regarding job security.

fromDefector

Miscellaneous

Confused Brits Cause Severe Damage At The Donald Trump Propaganda Factory | Defector

Working in conservative media offers a mix of envy and pity, marked by the lack of dignity and the nature of the content produced.

Digital life

Urinetown' Review: More Than Toilet Humor

'Follow Your Heart' evokes romantic classics while presenting a dystopian commentary on scarce resources and corporate greed in 'Urinetown'.

Digital life

Urinetown' and Other Plays and Musicals to See in February

The diverse Off Broadway shows this month feature innovative storytelling and unique perspectives, appealing to various theatergoers.

Highlights include revivals of notable works and intriguing new plays that explore significant themes through compelling narratives.

Digital life

Urinetown' Review: More Than Toilet Humor

'Follow Your Heart' evokes romantic classics while presenting a dystopian commentary on scarce resources and corporate greed in 'Urinetown'.

fromwww.london-unattached.com

Digital life

Urinetown' and Other Plays and Musicals to See in February

The diverse Off Broadway shows this month feature innovative storytelling and unique perspectives, appealing to various theatergoers.

Highlights include revivals of notable works and intriguing new plays that explore significant themes through compelling narratives.

more#musical

Miscellaneous

Oedipus Old Vic

The Old Vic's Oedipus merges dance and drama in a visually striking adaptation set in a drought-stricken world, exploring themes of crisis and leadership.

fromeverout.com

Portland

The Best Bang for Your Buck Events in Portland This Weekend: Jan 31Feb 2, 2025

Kickstand Comedy presents an improvised take on 'Love Is Blind' for Valentine's Day, delivering laughter and a humorous approach to dating shows.

Writing

Scientists can help governments plan for the future. But don't forget sci-fi writers: we can do it too | Emma Newman

Science fiction is being used to explore potential future technologies and societal impacts with the MoD.

Authors are concerned about the real-world implications of their imagined futures.

#surveillance

fromwww.scientificamerican.com

10 months ago

Writing

George Orwell's '1984' can teach us how to fight today's totalitarians 75 years after he wrote it

Orwell's 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' remains relevant today, reflecting similarities between our present society and his dystopian world.

Writing

Book Review: A Fictional Dystopia That's Chillingly Familiar

Ali Smith's 'Gliff' tells a profound story of survival and the struggle for liberation in a future under oppressive surveillance.

fromwww.scientificamerican.com

10 months ago

Writing

George Orwell's '1984' can teach us how to fight today's totalitarians 75 years after he wrote it

Orwell's 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' remains relevant today, reflecting similarities between our present society and his dystopian world.

Writing

Book Review: A Fictional Dystopia That's Chillingly Familiar

Ali Smith's 'Gliff' tells a profound story of survival and the struggle for liberation in a future under oppressive surveillance.

more#surveillance

fromThe New Yorker

Writing

Are We Living in a Dystopia?

"Silo" explores a post-apocalyptic world where characters grapple with the loss of nature and the artifacts of a world gone by.

fromLondon Unattached

5 months ago

Miscellaneous

Maddaddam - dystopian adventure at Royal Ballet - Review

MaddAddam showcases a powerful fusion of dance and narrative, exploring complex themes from Atwood's trilogy.

fromInverse

5 months ago

Miscellaneous

43 Years Later, a Legendary Apocalyptic Thriller Just Got a Huge Upgrade

'Escape from New York' set the blueprint for '80s action cinema with its dystopian narrative and antihero archetype.

fromHarvard Gazette

Writing

Book excerpt from 'Glory Days' by Simon Rich - Harvard Gazette

The story paints a satirical view of a post-climate-change future through the eyes of a great-grandfather reminiscing about his life on Earth.

fromEngadget