While I was reading the story “The Machine Stops” I was reminded of a similar story called “The Veldt” by Ray Bradbury where a couples kids somehow become part of a simulation by a machine and it becomes part of their world. Both the Veldt and The Machine stops ends poorly for the main characters, and we the reader understand the potential side effects of technology. Similarly I think this story also conveys the same kind of apocalyptic and despairing feeling many feel towards technology, especially in this day and age. I think this story reminds us of how powerful and relevant machines can be in our lives, which is beneficial, but at the same time reminds us that these machines can’t solve all of our problems.
Many people now relate to the idea that technology and machines have become too prevalent and harmful to our society, and I think this piece reflects that school of thought well. I think it is very interesting that even in 1909, this piece so accurately predicted the rise of the internet and the age of instant messaging where humans would constantly be connected and possibly enslaved to a constant stream of information. However, while these apocalyptic stories offer a unique perspective on technology and its ramifications, I do believe that most of technology and the internets benefits vastly outweighs its potential harm. However, the way that the characters revered the machine like a god actually closely resembles how some people become addicted to social media, so it is not too far from the truth.