The seventh season of Black Mirror is on its way, and fans worldwide are preparing to dive once again into the chilling world of technology and social experiments. Charlie Brooker’s show has long been a metaphor for our fear of modern technologies.
It’s not uncommon to see phrases in the news or on social media like, "We’re living in an episode of Black Mirror." And honestly, these words sometimes sound disturbingly accurate. Let’s look back at five instances when Black Mirror foretold our technological future.
Technology That Records Everything We See and Hear
Episode: 'The Entire History of You'
This episode immerses us in a world where people use implants to record and rewatch their memories. At first glance, this seems helpful, but it leads to obsessive overanalyzing, relationship breakdowns, and a total loss of privacy.
Reality is already catching up to this grim idea. Recently, the Rewind Pendant was introduced — a wearable device that records everything you see and hear, even helping you recall what your children or partner said. But how safe is such innovation? It opens the door to constant surveillance and potential manipulation, especially in vulnerable relationships.
Artificial Intelligence Bringing the Dead Back to Life
Episode: 'Be Right Back'
The protagonist of this episode resurrects her deceased boyfriend using AI that recreates his personality from old messages and social media posts. However, the artificial version of her loved one proves eerily one-dimensional and far from the real person.
By 2023, such technologies are no longer science fiction. AI is used to imitate the voices of the deceased, and digital 'doubles' are becoming increasingly popular. Experts warn, however, that these technologies could hinder the process of accepting loss, encourage pseudo-relationships, and create numerous ethical dilemmas.
Robotic Dogs in Military Service
Episode: 'Metalhead'
In this grim, black-and-white episode, people try to escape from robotic dogs that mercilessly destroy everything in their path. While Boston Dynamics has publicly opposed arming their robots, it’s already happening: robotic dogs are being used in police and military operations, and some models are even equipped with weapons.
Who knows how long it will take before these machines pose a threat not only to enemy armies but to ordinary citizens as well?
Virtual Reality Instead of Real Life
Episode: 'San Junipero'
One of the most touching episodes of Black Mirror tells the story of how people can continue their existence after death by uploading their consciousness into a virtual world. For now, this idea seems distant, but scientists are actively working on brain simulation technologies.
However, the prospects of such 'eternal' existence are not all rosy: system failures, exploitation of consciousness, and other potential horrors cast doubt on the dream of digital immortality.
Finding Love in Virtual Reality
Episode: 'Striking Vipers'
The plot of this episode revolves around friends who find solace in virtual reality, but their interactions there begin to unravel their real lives.
Today, we’re witnessing how technology immerses us in the world of virtual dating and relationships. VR devices and apps enable long-distance romances, and internet-connected adult toys open new horizons for remote intimacy.
Conclusion
Black Mirror doesn’t just entertain us — it makes us reflect on a future that is already knocking at our door. The new season might once again show us technologies that will become reality in a few years. Are we ready for this?
