Feed, a satirical novel written by M. T. Anderson, portrays a future where technology is constantly present within our minds. In this world, the majority of Americans possess a Feed, which is a brain implant enabling instant access to information, entertainment, shopping, messaging, and other activities typically carried out with laptops and cell phones (preferably installed at birth).
Anderson explains in the postscript of the book that the intention behind this novel was not to serve as a warning of the potential future, but rather as a satirical reflection of the author’s perception of the world during the time of writing. This adds to the chilling aspect of Feed, as numerous parallels between this fictional world and our current reality become evident. It is particularly alarming because the novel consistently demonstrates how reliance on this advanced technology deprives its characters of individuality, intellect, and genuine cultural understanding. The lack of individual identity is continually evident in various aspects throughout the entirety of the narrative.
When Violet falls ill due to a malfunctioning Feed, her father attempts to appeal to the corporations for a solution. However, Violet had been conducting her own experiments by feigning interest in various items without making any purchases. As a result, the Feed was unable to categorize her effectively. Unfortunately, this tactic backfired as the corporations collectively deemed her unreliable and not worth investing in (247). This highlights the corporations’ perception of customers solely as commodities; if an individual cannot contribute to their profits, their life holds no value.
On the other hand, all of Titus’s female acquaintances are readily categorized. These girls receive frequent updates about current trends, causing them to hastily modify their appearance to conform. As a consequence of mindlessly imitating others, they completely lack any form of uniqueness. Within this society, one’s worth is determined by their ability to conform to corporate-defined norms, leaving no space for genuine individuality. However, Calista and Quendy face a different dilemma as they too lack a sense of self or personal singularity.
The Feed provides users with all the information they could ever need, but as a result, they accept the notion of never actually gaining intelligence. However, this is not entirely accurate. Corporations now oversee SchoolTM and instruct individuals on “how to operate technology and find good deals” (110). This indicates that the only intelligence valued in this society is knowing how to be the most efficient consumer; even literacy has been deemed unnecessary.
Anderson effectively conveys the overall lack of intelligence among the characters in the novel by utilizing simple diction and syntax. The absence of Latinate words and the use of sentences comparable to those found in children’s books, such as See Spot Run, further exemplify this deficiency. Even the President himself struggles to communicate coherently, as evidenced by an excerpt from a speech: “It is our duty…to stand behind our fellow Americans and not cast…things at them. Stones, for example” (85). When even the leader of our nation cannot recall such a basic word as “stone” during a presidential address, it becomes evident that there is a significant issue with the level of intelligence prevalent throughout the country.
Despite being hyper conscious of their own culture, the characters with a Feed in the novel remain ignorant about people outside their social circle. This is evident in the fact that only one mention of the 23% of Americans without Feeds is made throughout the entire novel. It is likely that this information was only known because Violet’s parents did not have Feeds, and she would be the one to bring it up.
In the opening of the novel, there are news headers addressing tense international matters. However, as the storyline unfolds, these headers illustrate an urgent indication of a potential global conflict. Interestingly, none of the characters in the novel ever discuss or contemplate this possibility as they are preoccupied with following the latest episode of Oh? Wow! Thing! and keeping up with the latest shopping trends. Towards the end of the novel, news headers begin to report riots occurring across America, but curiously, these headers assert that the reasons behind these riots remain unknown.
Despite the ongoing unrest within their own country, nobody other than Violet ever mentions it, and their discussion on the matter is brief. The novel consistently portrays those with a Feed in America as feeling superior to those without one, regardless of the reasons. However, this sense of superiority is deceptive, as they have actually sacrificed many of the unique qualities that define humanity.
People have become conformist, lacking individuality and the freedom to think outside what is considered normal. The value of traditional education has been diminished, leading to increased ignorance and stupidity. Additionally, individuals have become disconnected from the world around them, only focused on their own social circle. These problems, caused by excessive reliance on technology and the dominance of corporations and consumerism, are applicable to our present society.
Despite our rejection of industrial waste-induced lesions and our limited awareness of international issues, there is undeniably a significant resemblance between our flaws and those of the characters in the novel Feed. It is safe to say that nobody wishes to be associated with the characters in Feed; hence, Anderson’s novel serves as a stark and crucial reminder to the present-day society.
