1984 How does the technology affect the Party's ability to control its citizens?

Answer 1

The main pieces of technology in the book are essential for the society to run as strict as it does - without these, more leeway would be created for the workers; rather than none at all. Without the telescreens no news on how the war was going would be spread, no false hope or lies could be used by The Party. I also think maybe, it's not technology itself which gives you an advantage; it's the knowledge of how to use it.

Technology has many affects on the way the society is ran, without it the society would crumble and there would be more space for people to expose weaknesses in the armour of the party. For example, without the telescreens Winston would be able to sit peacefully and write his diary without being seen or heard. Taking away the telescreens would inevitably take away the secret and frightening environment; turning it into a school, where you can sneakily talk to a friend across the classroom now and again without being caught out.

Another piece of technology is the device that Winston uses to change the history in favour of The Party. Without this, the public would still remember the losses, the nursery rhymes; and any old newspaper clippings which could be used against the party. Without technology, The Party would be powerless to prevent the backing up of evidence in court! The people would be able to actively talk about The Party's losses; and when slurs begin around a town the government in control can become corrupt in weeks.

Valuable technology such as devices to re-write dictionary, the language would never be restricted. This would lead to rebellious thoughts being thought in amongst the Proles. This could result in people rioting against The Party, and maybe a real brotherhood would emerge, strong enough to bring down the power.

We also have to remember that the technology sometimes is not needed, if the Thought-Police already had authority and respect, no technology is needed to spy on somebody; and see if they are committing thought crimes. One of the main ways the society is being watched is by using 'Mikes' which I believe is a neologism made up to describe a human being used as a microphone, a spy or snitch to report to the higher party.

To conclude, technology does play a great part in the running of the 1984 society. Without it I believe that The Party would crumble under having no social advantages over the working class. Winston is smart enough to find places where there is no technology; which also shows that even with the greatest amount of control; there are always spaces available for slip ups; no painting can ever be completed, and this town is no Mona-Lisa.