Channels with Peter Kafka Black Mirror's Charlie Brooker on the problem with tech - and people
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Jul 2, 2025 Charlie Brooker, the visionary behind Black Mirror, shares his insights on technology's darker side, emphasizing that his work is ultimately about humans, not just the tech they use. He discusses the evolution of his anthology series, shifting from tech-focused tales to deeper thematic explorations influenced by recent societal changes. Brooker reflects on the complicated dynamics in politics and media, and the ways AI challenges creativity, sparking questions about originality and the future of storytelling.
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Black Mirror Reflects Human Flaws
- Black Mirror isn't truly about technology but focuses on human behavior using technology.
- The show's dystopian tech is often a mirror of humanity's flaws, not the technology itself.
Tech Optimism Was Naïve
- Early optimism about social media's role in democracy was naïve.
- Technology is like growing a new limb that we're clumsily learning to control.
Celebrity Politicians' Rise Explained
- Political figures like Boris Johnson inspired early Black Mirror episodes about disruptive celebrity politicians.
- These figures succeeded partly because traditional politicians seemed bland and uninspiring.