By Cesar Perez
In a future where democracy fades before the might of technological progress and corporate dominance, one man's mind struggles for freedom.
By 2050, democracy will be a mere shadow in the face of incredible technological advancements. Daniel, born during the 20s pandemic, lives in a society ruled by multinational technological corporations.
He begins his day in a unipersonal, futuristic apartment. Daniel's home is equipped with advanced technological sensors required by the corporate government to control various aspects of his life, such as temperature, lighting, and entertainment content.
Daniel wakes up to the soft sound of his virtual assistant-police, a device connected to artificial intelligence that manages his agenda, finances, and communication, and guides his thoughts using neuroscience. Despite living in a world where individual liberties have been sacrificed for technological advancement, Daniel remains hopeful for a change, a beacon of democracy in a sea of authoritarianism.
Workers wear clothing made of intelligent fabrics that automatically adjust to outside weather conditions. Before leaving, individuals are subjected to a biometric scan that confirms their identity and health status. Hormones are then regulated to maintain a state of satisfaction and calm, preventing rebellion. This practice is a security measure implemented by corporate authorities to maintain population control and productivity while ensuring long-term peace.
On his way to work, Daniel passes through streets patrolled by security drones and facial recognition cameras, a constant reminder of the corporate government's omnipresence. Patriotism and political borders have faded, and only a unified supra-government led by large multinational corporations has achieved peace after the Great and Last War. As the city progresses, control panels show people living on the outskirts who are excluded from the system due to their inability to contribute to technological advancement or provide the company's owners economic benefits. Living on the outskirts is difficult due to the high levels of radiation that still exist after the war.
Finally, he arrives at his workplace, an impressive glass tower that houses the offices of the megacorporation for which he works. Daniel collaborates with colleagues to complete tasks assigned by algorithms, such as feeding artificial intelligence with emotions and categorizing them. In any case, they are sure about their work goal: to maximize the efficiency and profitability of the company, as profitability is the highest value in the society to which Daniel belongs. The identities of the company's owners, stockholders, and those who are truly in charge are not known.
Despite the long hours and oppressive conditions, Daniel finds comfort in the camaraderie of his colleagues, who share his dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs. However, staying within the city-state is the only way to survive with health and dignity.
During his free time, Daniel immerses himself in virtual reality, where he temporarily escapes the constraints of his daily life. However, even in the digital world, corporate autocracy casts a long shadow, reminding him that freedom is a luxury few can afford in a world dominated by technology and corporate power.
At the end of the day, Daniel closes himself in his small room, exhausted, he illegally consults some printed books passed down from his grandfather. These books have inspired him to work for change, and despite the restrictions and limitations, he believes in the possibility of restoring humanity. In a world where technology is used as a tool of oppression, even a small resistance becomes an act of bravery and hope.
© Cesar Perez, 2024
Cesar's passion for assisting organizations in using technology to enhance their goals can be traced back 20 years. He works with international development agencies on digital transformation projects, and has worked in the banking and financial sector for more than five years. He has a unique perspective on working with multicultural teams due to his education in the USA, Japan, Korea, and India. He has also contributed to several different industry events as a mentor and speaker.
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