Black Mirror

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Black Mirror (slang for a TV's only inherent value when it is turned off), is a near-future British science fiction anthology television series (later picked up by Netflix). Each episode is a standalone story which examines unanticipated consequences of new technologies, often with a dark and satirical take.

Episodes of note

Nosedive

Society uses social network scoring (via eye implants and mobile devices) to make real world decisions on the credit/social worthiness of individuals. Since these averages are seen/used by others, your social rating has significant influence on their socioeconomic status.

The story is about Lacie Pound striving to get her score from 4.2 to 4.5, in order to get a possibility at a luxury apartment -- however since society is stratified by scores, it's hard to climb up, and easy to fall down. Thus through a series of mishaps, misunderstandings and frustrated outburst, while trying to climb up, her rating comes crashing down -- and how she is punished by that falling rating.

Her offered epiphany comes when she interacts with other social outcasts, and learns that being a "failure" through living your own truth is better than being successful at living a lie. Great commentary on teens and marxists seeking the acceptance of their peers, and instead trumpets the message of individualism and challenging societal norms.


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📚 References

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