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Media Example: TV Show – “Black Mirror” (Episode: “Nosedive”)

Key Concept from Reading: “The Panopticon” by Michel Foucault

In Michel Foucault’s essay “The Panopticon,” he discusses the idea of a panopticon as a model of disciplinary power. The panopticon is a prison design where a central watchtower enables constant surveillance of inmates, creating a sense of being observed at all times. This, in turn, leads to self-regulation and conformity among the prisoners.

Analyzing “Black Mirror” (Episode: “Nosedive”) through the lens of the panopticon concept:

“Nosedive” is an episode from the British anthology series “Black Mirror,” created by Charlie Brooker. In this episode, the concept of a social credit system is explored, where individuals rate each other on a scale from 1 to 5 for every social interaction. These ratings have profound implications on a person’s social and economic status. The higher your rating, the more privileges and opportunities you have in society.

1. Constant Surveillance: The episode portrays a society where individuals constantly monitor and rate each other’s behavior through a smartphone app. This system resembles the panopticon’s constant surveillance, as people are aware that their actions are being observed and rated by others.
2. Self-Regulation: In “Nosedive,” people become highly conscious of their actions and words, as any negative behavior can result in lower ratings. This fear of low ratings leads to self-regulation, where individuals alter their behavior to conform to societal norms and expectations. This aligns with Foucault’s idea that the panopticon induces self-discipline and conformity among inmates.
3. Consequences of Conformity: The episode demonstrates how the relentless pursuit of high ratings can lead to extreme conformity, insincerity, and loss of personal authenticity. Characters suppress their true emotions and thoughts to maintain a facade of pleasantness, similar to how the panopticon encourages inmates to conform to expected norms.
4. Social Hierarchy and Control: The social credit system in “Nosedive” results in a clear hierarchy, where individuals with high ratings enjoy privileges, while those with lower ratings face discrimination and exclusion. This control over social status and the associated privileges parallels the power dynamics present in Foucault’s discussion of the panopticon as a tool of control.

In conclusion, “Black Mirror” (Episode: “Nosedive”) effectively explores the concept of the panopticon by depicting a society where constant surveillance and the fear of social judgment lead to self-regulation, conformity, and the establishment of a rigid social hierarchy. This episode serves as a cautionary tale about the potential consequences of a society driven by the need for constant social approval and rating. It highlights how the panoptic model of disciplinary power can manifest in a technologically advanced world, affecting individual behavior and social dynamics.

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