This book examines how American science fiction portrays the inner turmoil and profound anxieties of a society increasingly influenced by technology. The author combines ideas from philosophy, psychology, sociology, and literature to demonstrate growing concern that technological advancement may be undermining our humanity. The book approaches dystopia as a societal symptom that speaks to issues of identity, emotional detachment, and loss of autonomy, rather than merely presenting it as a genre. In so doing, it encourages readers to reflect on what stories reveal about themselves, pushing beyond robots and far-off futures to consider the real issues we confront today.

Sanjukta Chakraborty is Assistant Professor of English at George College of Management and Science, India.