In both News from Nowhere and Robot Dreams, technology plays a pivotal role in shaping the societies depicted, but the way it is employed reflects each society’s values and priorities.
In News from Nowhere, technology is used sparingly, almost as a backdrop to a society focused on sustainability and simplicity. In this fictional world, the goal isn’t to produce more but to produce better. Craftsmanship is valued, and the community works together to meet needs without excess. Therefore, there is not need for large factories or machines designed for mass production. This approach promotes a connection to nature and emphasizes human well-being over technological progress.
On the other hand, Robot Dreams presents a society where technology is highly advanced and plays a crucial role in managing resources like water, air, and waste. In this world, efficiency is the driving force – everything is recirculated, and nothing is wasted. However, this system’s efficiency comes at the expense of social equality. The technology that manages waste requires specialized labor, but the workers who maintain these systems, like the Ragusnik family, are stigmatized and alienated. This world is a prime example of how prioritizing technological efficiency without considering its impact on social justice.
Both of these worlds show how technology has the potential to shape the future in profound ways. News from Nowhere illustrates a world where sustainability and human connection are prioritized, using technology as a means to enhance quality of life. In contrast, Robot Dreams explores a future where efficiency reigns, but the human cost of technological systems has become even worse. Each society’s relationship with technology reveals a different path forward – one that balances progress with human values, and the other were technological advancements overshadow the social consequences of their implementation.