7) Using our society (2025), do you feel that Bradbury’s message or statement is a valid one?
Give some current examples as to how a dependence on technology could affect the way we
communicate and socialize with others. (250 word reflection-10 marks)
Bradbury’s message in The Pedestrian is highly valid and accurate in 2025, perhaps even more
so than when it was first written. Our society has become deeply dependent on technology for
nearly every aspect of daily life, from communication and entertainment to education and work.
While these advancements have many benefits, they also highlight the dangers Bradbury warned
about: the loss of meaningful human connection and individuality.
One clear example is how social media has replaced face-to-face interaction. Many people,
especially younger generations, spend hours on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat.
While these apps allow us to connect instantaneously, they also encourage shallow interactions,
such as likes, comments, and quick messages, rather than deep conversations. Over time, this can
reduce our ability to form genuine relationships and make us more isolated, much like the
“phantoms” in Bradbury’s story.
Another example is streaming services and gaming. With Netflix, YouTube, and online games
readily available, many individuals spend their evenings passively consuming content rather than
going outside, meeting others, or pursuing creative hobbies. This mirrors Bradbury’s depiction of
people trapped in their homes, absorbed by screens, and disconnected from the world around
them.
Even workplace and school communication has changed. With remote learning, video calls, and
AI tools, interaction is efficient but often lacks the personal warmth of face-to-face contact. As
Bradbury suggested, too much reliance on technology risks turning people into passive observers
rather than active participants in life. His message remains a powerful warning for the balance of
technology with authentic human connection.