Black Mirror: eight technological predictions from the series that are part of our world today

Black Mirror is a series known for exploring dystopia from a novel point of view. She was acclaimed for her ability to anticipate future scenarios that seemed improbable or distant, also in the technological aspect. However, in recent years, several of his predictions have ceased to be mere fiction and have become tangible realities. From advances in artificial intelligence to innovations in the social and digital sphere, these episodes now resonate as fulfilled warnings in a world that evolves at breakneck speed.

The series was created by Charlie Brooker and since 2015 it is available in Netflixwhich boosted its global reach. In its content, it explores the concerns and consequences of the advances of modern society, with a provocative and thoughtful narrative. In this context, many wonder What are the fantastic scenes that became reality?.

Eight technological predictions from Black Mirror that are part of our world today

1. Digital avatars in politics

In the chapter “Waldo’s moment”, Black Mirror shows an animated character who has a role in the politics of a country and, throughout the video, you can see the impact of these technological beings on society.

Real world: In June 2024, the United Kingdom unveiled AI Steve, the first AI-based candidate to stand in the Brighton Parliament polls.

2. Score and life

The chapter “Free Fall” shows a society in which every interaction with other people is scored. This level, which is acquired according to the stars that others give to oneself, determines the social status and access possibilities of each one.

Real world: In China there is a social scoring system that determines the loss or acquisition of privileges. For example, not paying debts can cause a bad rating for citizens.

3. Tiny drones

In the chapter “Hate in the Nation” a scenario is presented where robotic bees, created to pollinate flowers after the extinction of natural bees, are hacked and transformed into lethal weapons.

Real world: Harvard researchers developed drones the size of bees, capable of flying and performing similar functions. For its part, Walmart designed specific drones for pollination.

4. Robot dogs

In the chapter “Metal Head” we see a post-apocalyptic context where a robot dog programmed to attack relentlessly pursues a survivor, which generates an atmosphere of permanent tension.

Real world: Devices like Spot, developed by Boston Dynamics, were implemented in multiple sectors to explore risk areas. These robots have sophisticated movement and autonomy abilities.

5. Human beings turned into batteries

In the chapter “Fifteen million merits”, you can see a dystopian future where people generate energy by pedaling stationary bicycles and obtain privileges that they can use to acquire goods or escape from their routine.

Real world: In Brazil, some prisons implemented a program in which inmates pedal stationary bicycles to produce electricity, offering a reduction in their sentences as an incentive.

6. Glasses with smart cameras

In the chapter “Your whole story”, contact lenses allow you to record and reproduce every moment you experience, which offers the possibility of reliving any memory.

Real world: Although this technology has not yet been developed, Samsung has already registered a patent for lenses with integrated cameras. On the other hand, devices such as Meta’s Ray-Ban Stories already make it possible to capture images and videos from the user’s perspective.

7. Brain implants

The chapter “Arkangel” shows how a mother uses a brain implant in her daughter to monitor her life and protect her in real time, exposing the risks of excessive control.

Real world: Neuralink, Elon Musk’s company, is working on developing neural implants capable of regulating brain activity and treating medical disorders. Currently, there are technologies that allow us to manage computers and video games through thought.

8. Use of autonomous vehicles

In the chapter “Crocodile,” an architect tries to hide an accident while an investigator uses advanced technology to explore memories, also highlighting an autonomous van that delivers pizzas.

Real world: companies like Toyota and Pizza Hut are working on the e-Palettean autonomous vehicle designed to deliver pizzas without the need for a driver.