Big Brother in the 21st Century: How Orwell’s ‘1984’ Mirrors Our Society

“Big Brother is Watching You.”

When I read George Orwell’s “1984” five years ago, this chilling phrase resonated deeply with me. The book’s depiction of a society where every aspect of life, from love to actions, is monitored and controlled seemed extreme, yet disturbingly familiar.

Today, as “1984” completes 75 years since its publication, it’s evident that Orwell’s vision is not just a dystopian nightmare but a reflection of our modern reality.

1984: The Book

For those of you unfamiliar with the book, George Orwell’s “1984” is set in a totalitarian state, Oceania, one of three perpetually warring totalitarian states (the other two are Eurasia and Eastasia), under the ever-watchful eye of Big Brother. The story follows Winston Smith, a low-ranking member of the Party, who becomes increasingly disillusioned with the oppressive regime.

The Party employs constant surveillance and manipulates truth through Newspeak(the fictional language of Oceania), which is designed to limit free thought and promote the Party’s doctrines. Its words include doublethink (belief in contradictory ideas simultaneously), which is reflected in the Party’s slogans:

“War is peace,” “Freedom is slavery,” and “Ignorance is strength.”

The party enforces loyalty through fear and propaganda. Concepts like thoughtcrime (the idea that even thinking rebellious thoughts is punishable), and the rewriting of history to suit the Party’s narrative, are central to the control exerted over the populace.

Orwellian Influence

Orwell’s ability to coin a term like “Orwellian” to describe a dystopian reality speaks volumes about his impact. Today, the term is frequently used to describe not just repressive systems or laws but also unsettling opinions and arguments. For a writer who detested the use of clichéd phrases, having his name become such a term might seem ironic. However, it underscores the profound foresight Orwell had when he published “1984” on June 8, 1949. He provided a vocabulary to articulate fears about a world where memory is falsified, thoughts are policed, and even love is manipulated. Through Winston Smith’s subjugation by Big Brother, Orwell gave readers a way to express their concerns about the implications of modern surveillance, the simplification of language, and performative living on individuality, independence, and privacy.

Orwell penned “1984” in the aftermath of World War II, drawing inspiration from the autocratic regimes of Hitler, Stalin, and Mussolini. His book paints a chilling picture of a possible future where a totalitarian state exerts absolute control over its citizens. Orwell warns of a world where multiple tyrants could create an oppressive environment where every action and word is scrutinized by an omnipotent authority.

In today’s context, we witness violations of fundamental rights and privacy, the undermining of constitutional institutions, political manipulation, and the suppression of dissenting voices. Incidents of misinformation, attacks on journalists, and the glorification of self-proclaimed strong leaders mirror the control exerted by Big Brother in “1984.” Orwell’s concepts such as Newspeak, thoughtcrime, and doublethink are evident in the manipulation of information and the creation of false narratives in modern politics.

Modern Parallels

In “1984,” the Party controls truth through Newspeak and historical revisionism. Today, the manipulation of information is evident in the prevalence of fake news and media censorship. Social media algorithms can be tailored to spread misinformation and influence public opinion, creating echo chambers that reinforce biased viewpoints. Governments around the world, from authoritarian regimes to democratic states, engage in varying degrees of information control and censorship, akin to Orwell’s concept of reality control.

Living under constant surveillance has significant psychological and social impacts. The awareness that our actions and thoughts might be monitored creates a climate of fear and self-censorship, much like the society depicted in “1984.” This pressure to conform can lead to mental health issues and a loss of individuality. Social interactions are also affected, as people become more cautious about expressing dissenting opinions or engaging in behaviours deemed nonconformist.

Conclusion

Orwell’s “1984” serves as a powerful warning about the dangers of unchecked surveillance and the erosion of personal freedoms. As we navigate a world where technology increasingly intrudes on our privacy, it’s crucial to remain vigilant and advocate for stronger privacy protections. Reflecting on Orwell’s warnings, we must ensure that our society does not fully transform into the dystopian reality he so vividly described.

Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.

These paradoxical slogans from “1984” remind us that the fight for truth and freedom is ongoing.

Let’s not allow Orwell’s dystopia to become our enduring reality.