Welcome to Dystopia citizen.

A lot of people talk about how we're heading for The Handmaid's Tale, but I'm curious for folk who have read (or watched) a lot of dystopian fiction - which dystopian universe do you think we're most likely heading for? I'm leaning in the direction of Parable of the Sower, but I'm curious to hear what other people think (and why).

In 1984, people are controlled by pain.

In Brave New World, people are controlled by pleasure.

In The Giver, people are controlled by an absence of both pain and pleasure.

Just noting last week as the Presidents changed power and one took off, Florida got snow. That’s all I’m saying

The crimson sun bled through the smog-choked sky, casting long, skeletal shadows across the concrete jungle of Neo-Kythera. Rain, acidic and black, lashed against the chrome and glass towers, mirroring the grim reality of life in this matriarchal dystopia. Men, once the dominant force, were now relegated to the status of broodmares. Their bodies, genetically engineered and hormonally manipulated, were the vessels for the next generation of elites. Women, with their superior logic and ruthless ambition, had seized control, transforming society into a chillingly efficient machine. Kai, a young man with eyes like bruised amethyst, awoke with a jolt. The metallic tang of synthetic nutrients filled his mouth. He was one of the Chosen, a select few deemed genetically superior, destined to bear the offspring of the ruling class. Fear, cold and clammy, coiled around his heart. Today was the day. The birthing chambers were sterile and white, a stark contrast to the vibrant hues of the outside world. Kai, stripped bare and vulnerable, lay on the cold, metallic table. Above him, a panel of female scientists, their faces impassive, monitored his vitals. The process was swift and efficient, the artificial insemination a cold, clinical procedure. For the next nine months, Kai's existence was a monotonous cycle of forced feedings, rigorous exercise regimens, and endless medical examinations. He was a mere incubator, his individuality stripped away, his body a tool for the continuation of the elite. The birth was agonizing. Hours of excruciating pain, his body a battleground between his own will and the demands of the fetus. Finally, with a guttural scream, he expelled the child – a miniature replica of himself, but with the unmistakable features of its mother, a high-ranking Senator. He was awarded a brief period of respite, a fleeting taste of freedom before being returned to the breeding program. The cycle would repeat, over and over again, until his body, worn out and broken, was discarded like a used tool. But resistance simmered beneath the surface. In the hidden networks of the undercity, whispers of rebellion grew louder. Women, deemed genetically inferior and relegated to menial labor, yearned for a return to a more balanced society. Kai, despite his own suffering, found himself drawn to this nascent rebellion. He knew the risks. Failure meant certain death. But the thought of his child, growing up in this oppressive regime, fueled his resolve. He would fight for a future where men were more than just incubators, where women were more than just ruthless rulers. He would fight for a future where humanity, not gender, defined worth. This is just a glimpse into this dystopian world. The story could explore themes of:

• The abuse of power: How absolute power corrupts, even when wielded by those who believe they are acting for the greater good.
• The dehumanization of men: The psychological and physical toll of being reduced to a mere reproductive function.
• The fight for freedom: The struggle against an oppressive regime, the sacrifices made, and the hope for a better future.
• The complexities of gender: Challenging traditional gender roles and exploring the fluidity of identity in a world where biological roles are radically altered.

This is just a starting point. The possibilities for this dystopian tale are endless.

I'm looking for books set in contained spaces which are a metaphor for society as a whole, preferably depicting some sort of class division/warfare. Like the class struggles in Snowpiercer by Lod and Legrad or in Highrise by Ballard.

The books don't need to be in English. Novels in Spanish, Portuguese, Catalan, French, Russian, or German are fine too.

Any recommendation is greatly appreciated!

Hello, I am an AP research student seeking individuals who are 18+ and have watched the TV show Arcane to participate in a research survey on the colors and emotions of Arcane. My study aims to investigate how viewers of Arcane believe that the color usage in scenes, regarding lighting, makeup, and costumes has affected their emotional perception of the characters and emotional response to the scenes. Your insights will contribute to a deeper understanding of the effects that colors have had on viewers’ emotional perception and response. Take the survey at https://forms.office.com/r/FiwWftUVqw if you are interested! :)

At this point, I just wanna get like SAO’d and die in a fantasy game or something. Like, if we have to march to oblivion, can we at least put some pizazz into it?

Been avoiding him today (he was inaugurated today) and he pop up during football saying some propaganda bullshit. Someone please tell me this was a small coincidence? Please tell me this was a unique incident? This is so disturbing to me, please tell me I'm overreacting

I am a beginner reading (kind of getting into it now) I wanted to know what is considered to be the first dystopian novel. I've been looking around and find conflicting answers, any help is greatly appreciated :)

The podcast Wandering Monster recently played a game I designed called Oceania 2084. It is a dystopian TTRPG based on Orwell's ideas in 1984. Their session is a good overview of most of the core mechanics and you can get a brief glimpse into how the game runs.

https://www.youtube.com/live/_-jGsgilZVE?si=c9mgBdOxQWK0oZqf

Rewatched Jim Carrey's 'The Cable Guy' yesterday and it triggered some intense thoughts about social alienation and the corrosive effects of technology- https://akhilpuri.substack.com/p/somebody-has-to-kill-the-babysitter