Examples of Technology in Fahrenheit 451: Bradbury’s Echo in Modern Times

Nomophobia and Fahrenheit 451: A Reflection on Technology’s Hold on Society

Nomophobia is a result of people becoming more and more electrically connected to the point that their technology-based network and relationships become their home community (Rahim). An average American spends five hours a day on their smartphone and tablet devices (Hussuning). In Fahrenheit 451, society spends a lot of time indoors, where they find entertainment, while others may be at work burning books. While they are inside, one character decides to spend lots of time watching television, which keeps her away from social interactions.

Technology has come a long way and is now keeping society from seeing the outside world.

Technology addiction in this book is a problem because Mildred spends most of her days in her parlor room, where she watches television for entertainment. For Mildred, watching television leads to poor social interactions and ruins her relationship with her husband, Montag. Bradbury states that “Nobody listens anymore. I can’t talk to the walls because they’re yelling at me; I can’t talk to my wife; she listens to the walls. I just want someone to hear what I have to say. And maybe if I talk long enough, it’ll make sense.” (Bradbury 78).

Fahrenheit Technology: Bradbury’s Predictions and Our Modern Disconnect

The quote is simply saying that Montag wants to talk to someone, but everyone is caught up in doing something else and no longer has any time to talk to anyone. Staying indoors keeps society from seeing the outside world. “I sometimes think that drivers don’t know what grass is or flowers because they never see them slowly” (Bradbury 6). This quote is another great example because it shows how people spend too much time indoors and not enough time outdoors seeing the true beauty of the world. Back in the day, people were out riding horses, having picnics with neighbors, churches held gatherings, ice cream socials, and potluck dinners (Meleen).

Now, in the real world, technology addiction seems to be a big issue. Kids are no longer going for hikes, bike rides, walks, swimming, or even just simply going outside to play in the yard. Nowadays, kids find entertainment by playing video games or playing on a smartphone, tablet, or computer. Increased usage of social media and digital technologies, especially in public places, has sparked concern that too much online activity reduces social interactions and leads to feelings of depression, anxiety, and isolation (Technology). In the past couple of years, usage has increased dramatically. Ninety-five percent of teens have access to a smartphone, and forty-five percent say they are online almost constantly (Anderson). Another study done by YouGov found that men and women often felt stressed when their smartphone device was turned off (Rahim).

Fahrenheit 451: Heeding Bradbury’s Caution on Technology’s Grip and Rediscovering the World Beyond Screens

In Fahrenheit 451, society can help prevent technology addiction from not becoming a reality by showing how it affects their lives, so when people read the book, they see what it can do to people’s health and how it keeps them from doing things that are more enjoyable. If society now sees how staying indoors is not the best idea, then hopefully, it will inspire people to do better in life and to explore the world. People should be trying to limit their screen time. When they go out with friends, they should try things like turning their phones off, leaving them in the car when they go out to eat, or even simply leaving their devices at home. Technology addiction is a thing to try to stay away from. It causes lots of problems for multiple reasons, as stated above. With half of the world’s population of teens becoming addicted, people would like to see that number decrease in years to come. So pay attention to the outside community and the world. 

References

1. Bradbury, Ray. “Fahrenheit 451”. Ballantine Books, 1953. 
2. Turkle, Sherry. “Alone Together: Why We Expect More from Technology and Less from Each Other”. Basic Books, 2011.
3. Anderson, Monica and Jiang, Jingjing. “Teens, Social Media & Technology 2018”. Pew Research Center, 2018.
4. Rahim, Sameer A. “Nomophobia: The modern-day pathology”. The Telegraph, 2017.

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