The Future is Always a Nightmare — Or Is It?
This article was originally published on Medium.
Dystopias have ruled science fiction for decades. From 1984 and Brave New World to The Hunger Games, Black Mirror, The Matrix, and The Terminator, bleak visions of the future have become the default setting for sci-fi storytelling. These narratives reflect deep-seated anxieties about totalitarian control, technological overreach, and the downfall of civilization. They entertain us, challenge our thinking, and sometimes even serve as warnings. But do they also limit our imagination?
At a time when we face global crises — from climate change to war and economic inequality — one might ask: why do we keep imagining our own downfall rather than our salvation? And more importantly, what if we flipped the script?
Why Are We So Obsessed with Dystopias?
Dystopian fiction is gripping because it plays on our fears. It provides drama, tension, and a clear struggle between good and evil. There’s a reason why The Terminator was such a hit — it presents a high-stakes war against AI, playing on our fear of technological self-destruction. The Matrix questions the very nature of reality and suggests we are already enslaved by a system we cannot see. These stories make us question our world, but they also reinforce the idea that the future is inevitably dark.
There are three major reasons why dystopias dominate sci-fi:
1. They Reflect Societal Fears — Every dystopian story emerges from real-world concerns. Orwell’s 1984 was a response to authoritarian regimes, while The Hunger Games reflects anxieties about economic inequality and government control. Black Mirror serves as a cautionary tale about technology’s impact on human behavior.
2. Conflict is Entertaining — Stories thrive on conflict, and dystopias deliver it in abundance. A crumbling world with power struggles and rebellion creates instant drama.
3. We Have a Hard Time Imagining a Better Future — Centuries of war, greed, and suffering make it easier to believe in catastrophe than in harmony. We assume that if one system collapses, another oppressive one will take its place.
The Problem with Endless Dystopias
While dystopian sci-fi can be thought-provoking and necessary, an oversaturation of bleak futures has a psychological effect. If we constantly reinforce the idea that collapse followed by doom and gloom is inevitable, we may subconsciously accept it as truth. This leads to resignation rather than action, despair rather than innovation.
Dystopian narratives often overlook an important fact: humanity is capable of extraordinary collaboration and progress. We have abolished slavery, extended life expectancy, and connected the world through technology. While problems persist, there is no reason to believe that dystopia is our only possible future.
Why We Need More Utopian Science Fiction
Utopian sci-fi has the power to inspire. It can paint a picture of what’s possible if we move beyond fear, scarcity, and conflict. Think about Star Trek, where humanity has evolved past war and poverty to explore the cosmos in unity. Shows like this have influenced real-world advancements, from the invention of the flip phone to discussions about universal basic income.
Imagine if more sci-fi stories focused on a world where humanity has solved its biggest challenges — not through oppression, but through enlightenment and collaboration. Imagine if more movies and books dared to show how technology could serve humanity rather than enslave it.
Enter Waking Up: A Vision of a Thriving Future
That’s why I wrote Waking Up. Instead of another cautionary tale about AI destroying us, my novel presents a future where technology and society evolve toward abundance, freedom, and true human potential. It challenges the idea that we are doomed and instead asks: what if we actually got it right?
A world where humanity has transcended money, war, and power struggles may seem naive — but isn’t it worth considering? Isn’t it worth imagining?
The future doesn’t have to be a nightmare. It can be a dream we choose to build.
If you’re interested in a science fiction story that dares to imagine a hopeful tomorrow, check out Waking Up-A journey towards a new dawn for humanity. Let’s start shaping the future we want to see. The novel is due for release on May 2. and can be preordered here: books2read.com/u/b50rkA
*What do you think? Are we too stuck in dystopian thinking? Have any utopian sci-fi stories inspired you? Let’s discuss in the comments!