Literature can be a wonderful navigation tool to use in gaining a better understanding of ourselves, others, and the world around us. Novels from the past often show the history of how certain topics transfer into the present and provide an opportunity to prevent previous mistakes. Novels of the present can provide an additional perspective of current situations. Novels from the past and present assist in gaining more insight about some subjects like technology. Here are some interesting books that cover some of the interactions between culture and technology.
1984 by George Orwell was published in 1949, but still has relevant themes that apply to current society. The story is about a man named Winston who lives in a society under constant surveillance by telescreens. Winston starts questioning certain notions about the society he lives in and begins rebelling by keeping a diary. Winston finds others who seemingly share his views. This classic novel is great for discussions about surveillance and misinformation. Orwell’s writing style and language choices powerfully demonstrate the effects of constant surveillance and only having a singular knowledge source present in a society. 1984 is a terrific work to showcase the relevancy of surveillance and misinformation in current times. Here is a link if interested in obtaining the novel: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/326569/1984-by-george-orwell-with-a-foreword-by-thomas-pynchon/.
The Time Machine by H.G. Wells is a story about a scientist’s journey to the future by a time machine. The scientist, aka the Time Traveller, recounts his first adventure in the year 802,701 AD. During this year, the Time Traveller encounters the societies of the Eloi and the Morlocks. Then, he travels to other future time periods. Then the Time Traveller disappears on his last trip. The science fiction novella alludes to scientific and mathematical concepts to highlight the Time Traveller’s viewpoint. Also, there is some language in the story that needs to be addressed with some context if the work is used in a classroom. In general, the work is a great segway to discuss the drive of creating new technology, innovation, and progress. The Time Machine can lead to interesting classroom debates and reflections about technology’s effects on society. One can get the book through this link: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/296625/the-time-machine-by-h-g-wells/.
Love, Decoded by Jennifer Yen is a 2024 Beehive Award Nominee by the Children’s Literature Association of Utah. The book depicts an illustrious tale about a high school girl named Gigi who enjoys computer programming and is training to be a matchmaker by her Auntie Rosie. Gigi decides to submit an app she has created to a contest for a chance to win a summer internship with a prominent tech company. The app goes viral as Gigi is preparing and testing the app for the contest. Amid the excitement, the app gets downloaded and utilized by a group of Gigi’s classmates to circulate test information. The issue is brought to Gigi’s attention when she is sent to the principal’s office. Will Gigi face consequences for something she was unaware of happening? Will someone come forward in Gigi’s defense? Love, Decoded is a wonderful book to highlight being considerate online and promoting ethical practices. This story gives strong examples for conversations discussing technology etiquette and ethics. Here is a link if desiring to acquire the book: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/623189/love-decoded-by-jennifer-yen/.
These works of literature can be useful tools when exploring the dynamics between technology and culture. The stories of the past and present are frequently helpful in further awareness of certain subjects like technology. These books can be a great way to develop digital literacy in the classroom, training, or personal development.
Northwest Alliance for Media Literacy 