Theme: Technology Cast in a Negative Light

In George Orwell's "1984", technology plays a huge role in making the plot line even plausible. As the book was written 35 years earlier, in 1949, computers had not yet played a major role in peoples' lives. Back in the day, technology was commonly thought of as having a potentially positive effect on the future. Technology had so much to offer, and seeing as mankind developed the computer, it could only work to our advantage, right? Wrong. 1984 proposes the idea of technology working against us. As one social group may turn on another, what if the government, armed with technology, turns on it's people? This is the freaky reality of the plot in 1984. The totalitarian government used computers and technology to invade the privacy of its people. Telescreens were installed in every individual home, where "Big Brother" (the eyes of the government) can anonymously spy on the home-life of literally EVERYONE. Winston explains what life at home is like with the presence of the telescreen as having to, "...set his features into the expression of quiet optimism, which it was advisable to wear when facing the telescreen" (Orwell 4). Microphones were hidden all over the town also; private conversations could not possibly be conducted. In 1984, there was no limit set for when the government may or may not be crossing the line. When is too much simply too much? Well you know it's extreme when computers are being used as weaponry, rather than a unifying piece of technology.