Technology In Fahrenheit 451 By Ray Bradbury

In our society in this generation, smartphones and advanced technology are becoming more relevant every day. Because of this outbreak, we question if the use of tablets, video games, and smartphones are affecting us in a negative way. Some say it's benefiting our future, whereas others think technology is ruining the minds of the youth. Science fiction novels and movies predict a dark future if we continue down the path we are on. Ray Bradbury even predicted such a dreaded future many decades ago in Fahrenheit 451. In the novel, the role of a firefighter has been reciprocated to burning books, not putting fires out. Books are being burned because of the ideas written in them that could possibly start uprisings and overthrow the government.

It is also devastating how people would rather communicate with their “families” than their real relatives. Ray Bradbury is warning future generations of technology and its horrors. Fahrenheit 451 clearly demonstrates the negative effects of technology in their society. In the novel, Montag’s wife, Mildred, depends solely on her “family” and other forms of technology. She does not even bother to ask her husband how his day went or how he is feeling, like a loving wife should. “‘Now,’ said Mildred, ‘my ‘family’ is people. They tell me things; I laugh, they laugh! And the colors! (Bradbury 69).’” This proves that Mildred would much rather speak to her “family” than Montag, her real family. It is sad how she has been hooked to her television set and talks to her friends about nothing but each others “families” instead of actual things like what is happening out in the real world. As Montag puts it, “Is it because we’re having so much fun at home we’ve forgotten the world? Is it because we’re so rich

An article states that 33% of parents say their children had “touched or scrolled a screen” before their 1st birthday. This shows that children start using technology at extremely young ages. Parents are starting to distract their kids with tablets while they do chores. Another form of technology called the DriveCam is also stirring up quite a scandal. The DriveCam records all your mistakes while driving and emails a copy to your parents. Many parents refrain from using this, because they claim it breaks the trust between a child and their parents. Mary Beth Mills from Wisconsin says, “You need to teach them and then trust them to be able to do the right thing.” This research can be effective, but can also tarnish your independence. Receiving your driver’s license shows maturity and freedom, and being recorded limits that freedom. Yalda Uhls also makes a great point directed towards the youth of America. “I’ve been at parties where the kids are all hanging out, but instead of looking at each other, they are staring at their phones.” Once again, this shows that children are more focused on their lives online than their real lives. Kids are not speaking to each other, because their phones are distracting them. They are starting to care more about their phones than their friends. Another article says your smart TV may be spying on you. Research shows that your personal information could be sent