'Black Mirror': A reflection of technology and human emotions
What's the story
I am an emotional geek. I love technology and I find music in it. That's why, 'Black Mirror' is a perfect amalgamation of technology and human emotions, for me.
While it is spooky the way they have predicted the future, it is also interesting to see the very nature of humans weaved into every episode.
As we are geared up for the new season, here we revisit the plots of some of the episodes which are on the verge of becoming real.
Social Acceptance
Nosedive: Season 3, Episode 1
Plot: A status-obsessed world wherein you are rated for every action of yours. You are fake nice because that's the only way to go up the ladder, until it all falls flat.
Reality: China is indeed implementing a system to give score to its 1.4 billion citizens, based on their behavior.
My take: Humans aren't meant to be nice, and it can't be enforced on us - neither by technology nor by our counterparts. You can fake it, but you can't make it.
True Love
Be Right Back: Season 2, Episode 1
Plot: A young girl finds a technology that lets people stay in touch with the dead. She uses it only to realize tech can't fill the void.
Reality: In the year 2015, Eugenia Kuyda's friend Roman passed away in a road accident. She used neural network that could take a cue from the chats that she had with Roman. Voila! Replika was born.
My take: Death can't put a full stop on true love. And, if we can cheat death (albeit rather rudimentarily), take my money and give me this technology.
Desperation & death
Metalhead: Season 4, Episode 5
Reality: In February this year, Robotics company Boston Dynamics actually released a video of its latest four-legged creation, SpotMini, opening doors.
Plot: In the post-apocalyptic world, a woman attempts to survive the land full of "dogs". In this case though, the creators admitted that the dogs were influenced by Boston Dynamics' robotic dogs.
My take: Up your game, 'Black Mirror', you are supposed to show us the path, not the other way round.
Lust and Love
The Entire History Of You: Season 1, Episode 3
Plot: This episode is about people using a memory implant that records everything they see, hear and do - a repository of sorts. It becomes interesting when an insecure husband uses it, only to be proven right about his cheating wife.
Reality: Heard of Elon Musk's Neuralink? The start-up plans to implant electrodes in the human brain so that it can directly upload/download information.
My take: In your lifetime and mine, we will see this in action. Enough said!
What we wish for?
The Waldo Moment: Season 2, Episode 3
Plot: A comedian who voices a cartoon bear named Waldo finds himself mixing in politics as TV executives want Waldo to run for office, against real politicians. And, he does.
Reality: If you discount the cartoons we have in Indian politics, and perhaps Trump, this episode hasn't turned into reality, yet.
My take: If only wishes were horses! I am sure a cartoon can run India better.