Black Mirror is an anthology series in which every episode features a different storyline and characters and is usually somehow related to technology. With discussions about AI and the use of similar technology within the film and television industry, this show seems as relevant as ever.
Most episodes seem to issue a warning that technology will overpower humanity.
However, upon taking a closer look at specific episodes, Black Mirror is not a warning about how technological innovation is inherently dangerous, but rather how the danger lies in how technology creates an illusion of choice for people that results in destruction.
This theme is evident in multiple episodes; let’s take a look at some of them a bit more closely.
Fifteen Million Merits (Season 1 Episode 2)
Black Mirror Season 1 Episode 2 “Fifteen Million Merits,” perfectly demonstrates how dangerous the illusion of choice technology presents can be.
In this episode, the constant presence of screens and the technological system that rewards sensationalism rather than real talent smothers any semblance of choice for the characters. They all either become victims of the system or rise to the top of the system.
Bing overworking himself to earn more merits is how he contributes to the system.
While it seems like he’s performing this task out of his own will, the fact that he’s overworking himself and still contributing labor to achieve what he wants illustrates how even the free choices within the system are predetermined and set up to reinforce the status quo.
Without the technological system that pushes the false narrative that hard work is enough to get rewarded, Bing wouldn’t have pursued what he believes is an option to destroy the system.
He fails to escape or take down the system, and thanks to the fake pretense of choice that the technological system presented, he has now become part of the system he once criticized.
Arkangel (Season 4 Episode 2)
At its core, Black Mirror Season 4 Episode 2 “Arkangel,” is about the toxicity of overcontrolling parents. Yet, the downfall of the mother-daughter relationship in this episode wouldn’t have happened without technological interference.
Though Marie could’ve chosen not to look at the Arkangel system all the time, she eventually became impulsively attached to the tablet. Once she cultivated a sense of power and control from having the ability to see Sara at any time, she couldn’t let go and allow Sara to live her life without surveillance.
On a surface level, the technology seems to present Marie with the option to look or not, but the technology was inherently designed to give Marie the ability to overstep boundaries.
In this case, the technology manipulated Marie’s behavior and enabled her overcontrolling tendencies to take over.
Rather than provide a valuable opportunity for protection, the Arkangel system removed both Marie and Sara’s autonomy, leading to both their downfalls as they were trapped in a harmful cycle of mistrust caused by overcontrol.
The Entire History of You (Season 1 Episode 3)
Black Mirror Season 1 Episode 3 “The Entire History of You,” is similar to “Arkangel” in that the episode centers around how technology instills an urge to invade personal boundaries that destroy relationships and lives.
Having a device that records every memory that has ever happened presents the user with the choice of viewing the memories at their own discretion.
However, the simple fact that Liam has access to this technology allows him to fuel his existing insecurities. This leads to him obsessing over unchangeable memories and ultimately causing the destruction of multiple relationships.
When he realizes how toxic having the grain is, he removes it from his body.Liam’s decision to extract his grain indicates how he would’ve been better off if he never had the technology in the first place.
His revelation proves that the only real ability to make choices exists without the illusions of choice that technology presents to people.
Though many could see technology like the grain as a tool for empowerment, Liam’s story illustrates how technology can actively harm people’s relationships and bring out people’s worst insecurities and fears.
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Through exposing the harmful potential behind seemingly free-willed choices, Black Mirror urges us to reclaim autonomy in a world that’s increasingly being shaped by technological evolutions.
If we’re able to recognize that true freedom lies in the ability to make choices without technological influence, then we may be safe from making the same mistakes that Bing, Marie, and Liam made at the expense of their and others’ lives.
Black Mirror is available to stream on Netflix.
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Sam Huang
Sam Huang is a college student and writer. They are passionate about writing works that explore intersectionality, and they're particularly interested in comedies on TV. Their work has been published in the Healthline Zine and Filmcred.
