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This critical examination of two dystopian television series–Black Mirror and Electric Dreams–focuses on pop culture depictions of technology and its impact on human existence. Representations of a wide range of modern and futuristic technologies are explored, from early portrayals of artificial intelligence (Rossum's Universal Robots, 1921) to digital consciousness transference as envisioned in Black Mirror's "San Junipero."
These representations reflect societal anxieties about unfettered technological development and how a world infused with invasive artificial intelligence might redefine life and death, power and control. The impact of social media platforms is considered in the contexts of modern-day communication and political manipulation.
These representations reflect societal anxieties about unfettered technological development and how a world infused with invasive artificial intelligence might redefine life and death, power and control. The impact of social media platforms is considered in the contexts of modern-day communication and political manipulation.
Reviews
Digital Dystopias is a statement of warning, as many of us abandon ourselves to the conveniences provided by digital technology. At the same time, readers will find pleasure in discovering parallels between dystopian fiction and social reality. A fun read, with Keslowitz's tone being neither pessimist nor cynical. Pandora's box has been opened, he suggests; now it is on us to define the terms under which we want to live with, not under, technology. Let's face it! Let's face the future!"–Moritz Fink, author of The Simpsons: A Cultural History
"You've been watching Black Mirror, You, The Simpsons, and The Office because they're entertaining television shows. As Steven Keslowitz's The Digital Dystopias of Black Mirror and Electric Dreams examines these shows and many other TV series and movies also provide important insights into how various technologies--from webcams and cell phones to dating apps and data security--are impacting our relationships, our jobs, our health, and our privacy, for better and, often, for frighteningly worse. So put down your iPhone and read this thoughtful book...unless, of course, that's where you're reading it."–Kimberly Potts, author of The Way We All Became The Brady Bunch.
"You've been watching Black Mirror, You, The Simpsons, and The Office because they're entertaining television shows. As Steven Keslowitz's The Digital Dystopias of Black Mirror and Electric Dreams examines these shows and many other TV series and movies also provide important insights into how various technologies--from webcams and cell phones to dating apps and data security--are impacting our relationships, our jobs, our health, and our privacy, for better and, often, for frighteningly worse. So put down your iPhone and read this thoughtful book...unless, of course, that's where you're reading it."–Kimberly Potts, author of The Way We All Became The Brady Bunch.
| Pages | 261 |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 229 x 152 x 13 |
| Date Published | 30 Jan 2020 |
| Publisher | McFarland |
| Subject/s | Television McFarland Science Fiction and Fantasy Film and Television |
Steven Keslowitz is senior director and counsel of intellectual property and technology at AXA Equitable Life Insurance Company. He is the author of four previous books as well as several law review articles exploring the intersection of law, media and popular culture. He lives in Brooklyn, New York.
