What makes Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror so great is the show’s ability to present something that seems completely ridiculous, but at the same time, something wholly familiar. The dystopian alternative realities — or simply extreme social scenarios — don’t feel that far off from the current state of our tech-dependent world, which only makes each episode that much more unsettling. As we continue to let technology take over our social, domestic, and working lives, we are advancing to the point where we give it too much control and start to lose control of it altogether.
Though the series can’t always stay all the way ahead of the curve, it has already been able to predict the future on a number of episodes such as “The National Anthem” and “The Waldo Moment.” Now another episode has come true is, which is already gaining prevalence in China, closely resembling the dystopian popularity scale established in “Nosedive.”
According to an article from Wired, an app called Zhima Credit — part of a much larger app that Chinese smartphone users use — is combining the usual stuff that goes into a credit score — bill payments, etc — with more nuanced social data, like where you shop and who your friends are. Higher ratings will allow citizens to rent a car without a deposit, while those who score low have found themselves on no-fly lists and banned from other forms of travel.
Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below. Season four of Black Mirror returns on December 29. Be sure to read our feature: Netflix’s Black Mirror Shows Us How Terrifying the Future of Technology Can Be.
2 Chainz‘s Dabbin’ Santa ugly Christmas sweaters have become a staple in holiday wardrobes in the short two years since its introduction. It appears Walmart caught on, as the retailer seems to be selling the Atlanta rapper’s products without his consent. 2 Chainz took to Instagram to call them out in a screenshot of the product in Wally World’s online store, stating:
“Oooh nooo someone please tell Walmart that they didn’t get permission to use this patent or likeness in anyway. We use this sweater this time of year to spread togetherness and also give back to those who are less fortunate or not able to provide for their families at the time. That being said it’s gone be a Jolly Holly Xmas #WALMARTGONEBUYMEAHOUSE #WALMARTGONEBUYMEACAR #Walmartgonegiveback2mycommunity #WALMARTGONEMAKEMEASTAR. gotta lil ring to it mite lay dat bihhh down later tonight when I get to the studio.”
As he noted above, the popular sweaters not only help 2 Chainz, but also his TRU Foundation, which aims to help the less fortunate. Are you planning to cop one yourself? Let us know in the comments below.
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