Similarities Between Fahrenheit 451 And Technology

The Reality of Technology Advancements in technology create a world of endless possibilities and the potential of creating a simpler way of life. This easier existence comes with the risk of individuals becoming reliant on using technology as an escape from reality. The novel Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury conveys the idea of the dangers of technological development. Similarly, the movie WALL-E directed by Andrew Stanton also warns the audience of the Earth’s possible future if technology continues to progress. Society is heavily criticized in these works of art. Futuristic technologies are shown to create a constant distraction for the characters. They are unable to focus on the people around them, resulting in the absence of human connections

These connections are convenient, but they are less personal. There is no physical connection or tone of the words that are being spoken. Visual and auditory cues are necessary because “Human beings need real physical social interaction to survive”(Brandon). Sitting in their moving seats next to each other, two individuals are talking to each other, but not face-to-face. The friends are communicating over a screen that is projected in front of their faces. The connection between the two is purely artificial (WALL-E). The characters are completely isolated from each other and as a result, they lack basic physical relations. Developing new relationships is rare because they are unaware of the people around them. Focusing only on the screens in front of their faces, individuals lose the ability to understand actuality. Likewise, Mildred sees the characters on her television as reality. She thinks of her screen as her life, telling Montag, “my ‘family’ is people”(Bradbury 69). Mildred likes the interactive screens and the ability to join in on meaningless conversations. She has no individuality and Mildred has no opinions. Her relationship with her husband is negatively affected by Mildred’s obsession with technology. The couple does not love each other because it is impossible for Montag to make a real connection with Mildred. Montag is unable to converse with his wife, stating, “I can’t talk to my wife; she

Oppression forces the citizens to accept the technology governments and corporations are pushing. On the Axiom, a group of babies is being taught by a robot. The robot is teaching them their letters and says, “B is for Buy N Large, your very best friend”(WALL-E). Buy N Large is the corporation that is controlling the people aboard the axiom. The company will be associated with greatness in the minds of the children for the rest of their lives. Oppression such as this, has caused everyone on the axiom to unknowingly agree with the unjust government policies. Moreover, the government in Fahrenheit 451 uses a similar method to make individuals follow the government. Any books that may cause offense are burned, and media presents the citizens with simplified information. Schools use television and sports to distract children from thinking and asking questions, only telling them what they want them to hear. Enough unimportant information makes the people “...feel they’re thinking…and they’ll be happy”(Bradbury 61). Individuals think they are happy because of the use of coercion and brainwashing. Utilizing technology, citizens are distracted from reality and as a result, they never have time to question what is genuinely