Week 1: “The Machine Stops” Reading Response – Grace Currier

“The Machine Stops” by E.M. Forster is a dystopian narrative on life in the future, during which humans are entirely dependent on, and even worship, “the Machine.” Humans live in a society in which human contact is frowned upon, as the Machine provides every resource imaginable.  Although Forster wrote this narrative in 1909 and intended it to be hyperbolic of the future, he accurately predicts the effect technology has on society. Modern technology is no longer supplemental to everyday life, but something upon which people are completely dependent. The relationship between the people of this dystopian society and the Machine compared to that of people and modern technology (computers, cell phones, the Internet, etc.) is uncanny. Although an exaggeration and a pessimistic perspective on technology’s effect on humanity, Forster is undeniably correct about our ever-growing dependence on technology and how it shapes our lives. Albeit extraordinarily convenient and efficient, the development of technology has some underlying negative components to many are unaware.

Leave a Reply