Subscribe now

Columnist and Society

Why we shouldn't fill our minds with endless tales of dystopia

Unrealistic fantasies of the apocalypse are everywhere, but focusing on a potentially disastrous future stops us from making solid plans, says Annalee Newitz

By Annalee Newitz

10 May 2023

D4A3HW Billboard in London Bridge advertising the Channel 4 series Black Mirror

Topz/Alamy

IF YOU have ever watched Black Mirror or The Last of Us – or read the comic book 2000AD, where Judge Dredd was born – you have experienced the joy and horror of dystopian science fiction.

Dystopia is a place where there is no mercy, no beauty and no hope. Its skies are black with pollution and warlords rule the weak with violence and frenetic, high-tech propaganda. Like Thomas More’s Utopia, dystopia is a fantasy place. Yet, over the past decade, many world leaders have treated dystopia as a realistic vision of our future, one we should use as an inspiration for…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox! We'll also keep you up to date with New Scientist events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, subscribe today with our introductory offers

View introductory offers

No commitment, cancel anytime*

Offer ends 28th October 2023.

*Cancel anytime within 14 days of payment to receive a refund on unserved issues.

Inclusive of applicable taxes (VAT)

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account