preview

Surveillance In 1984

Decent Essays

Advancements in technology have revolutionized the way individuals in a society communicate and function. The twentieth century gave rise to the internet, radio communications, GPS technology, and countless other ways of capturing, documenting, and recording our lives. Due to rapid technological advancements, mass surveillance of populations is currently on the rise. Mass surveillance is defined as the use of technology for the intricate monitoring of the general population mainly by the government. Although mass surveillance has been used all throughout history, it is evident that the technologies of it are becoming more prevalent in our society today. Recently, there has been a growing concern over the implementation of mass surveillance …show more content…

In Oceania, the fictional dystopian superstate, every citizen knows that they could be watched at any time. Surveillance is a prominent theme in the novel as there is no privacy amongst the residents of Oceania. Technology especially is an extremely important tool that the Party uses to maintain control over its citizens. For instance, in the novel there are two-way telescreens through which higher ranking Party members watch and record the activities of the citizens in Oceania at all times. Other common forms of surveillance in 1984 are the use microphones, thought crimes, and community involvement. According to the Party, this surveillance is for the amelioration of Oceania as a whole. Due to constant surveillance, every aspect of their lives are under control and scrutiny. The slogan, “Big Brother is watching you” is a constant reminder that the people of Oceania are being watched and that all their actions are potentially subject to disciplinary actions. Orwell’s concerns about privacy and freedom expressed in the novel have been manifested in the contemporary

Get Access