Since the beginning of time, humans have used technology. Today we know technology as smartphones, TVs, and refrigerators. New technology is invented all the time, and it has helped us advance as a species.
Due to technology, we have advanced healthcare and entertainment. However, many experience technology as scary. It’s unfamiliar territory with endless possibilities.
In today’s society, many people fear the development of AI (artificial intelligence). Many of them fear losing their jobs to AI, which made me think of man vs. technology conflict.
Man vs. technology isn’t new; people have always feared the vast, unfamiliar inventions they can’t fully understand. This fear is conveyed in literature, and today, we’re going to take a closer look at man vs. technology conflict and how to write one.
What Is Man vs. Technology?
A simplified definition of man vs. technology is when a character is in direct conflict with technology. It occurs when technology poses danger, raises ethical dilemmas, or forces humans to confront the consequences of their own creations.
Technology can mean many things, but often takes the form of machines, systems created by humans, or other artifacts. You often find this type of conflict in science fiction and dystopian stories, though it can exist in any genre.
Man vs. Technology Example in Literature
You find man vs. technology in the classic Frankenstein by Mary Shelley. It goes something like this: The mad scientist Victor Frankenstein created a creature using stolen body parts. He believed in science and that he could replicate people.
Nevertheless, Victor Frankenstein ended up creating a monster. Victor also refused to take responsibility for his creation. The scientist suffered the consequences of his own actions. Frankenstein is one of the earliest and strongest examples of man vs. technology conflict in literature.
Common Themes in Man vs. Technology Stories
You can find another meaning hidden between the lines of a story; this is called subtext. Through subtext, you can find the theme. The theme is the overarching topic or message of a story.
Stories with man vs. technology conflict, like all other stories, have some common themes. Therefore, it’s only natural to find themes about whether technology is ethical in this conflict.
Here are other common themes:
Loss of control: As technology advances, humans no longer have control over it. What happens when technology has a mind of its own?
Responsibility and ethics: The story asks who is responsible when technology does more harm than good: the creator, user, or society?
Fear of progress: Anxiety of the world, the way you know it, changes. People aren’t the same, and the tools they use are unfamiliar and scary.
Personhood: Questioning what it means to be human and if non-human beings can also be “human”?
How to Write Man vs. Technology Conflict in 4 Steps
Man vs. technology is an interesting type of conflict. You can explore many different types of storylines and perspectives, and create a unique plot. Nevertheless, it can still be difficult to write the conflict since your choices are vast.
Let’s take a look at how you can write a story using man vs. technology conflict as simply as possible.
Step 1: Brainstorm Your Man vs Technology Conflict
First and foremost, you need a plot. You probably have a vague idea of what kind of story you want to write. However, I want you to sit down for just a little bit and brainstorm.
Brainstorming has many benefits, such as creating a plan, making writing easier, and saving you time by avoiding heavy editing. In addition, if you have a poor memory like me, it will come in handy for those late-night writing sessions.
Ask yourself:
- Who is my protagonist?
- What is the central conflict?
- How will my protagonist solve the central conflict?
- What happens if they fail?
Step 2: Worldbuild Around Technology
You’re creating a world where technology is an issue; you obviously need to worldbuild. Worldbuilding shouldn’t come as an afterthought; it should be part of the story’s foundation.
What to consider:
- How people rely on technology in their daily lives.
- Who benefits from it?
- What happens if technology doesn’t work?
Worldbuilding doesn’t have to be as intimidating as it sounds. I promise, you don’t have to write a history book or create a new language if you don’t want to. Nevertheless, strong worldbuilding can be the difference between a good story and a great one. If you’re ambitious and strive to be great, take a look at this simple worldbuilding guide.
Step 3: Decide Your Story’s Theme and Message
Every story is trying to say something, both on the page and hidden between the lines. There’s a reason some stories stay with us long after we read them; they resonated with us somehow. A great theme does that.
Ask yourself:
- What’s the theme of this story?
- Is there anything you want to explore thoroughly?
- What do you want your readers to take with them after finishing the story?
Step 4: Technology Doesn’t Have to Be Evil
Not every story with a man vs. technology conflict has to be about how evil technology is. In fact, you can do the opposite. You could write a story about how good technology is, despite what everyone believes.
My point is, there are other storylines to explore. Be creative and explore other perspectives than what’s mainstream right now. This is your story, and you have to make it yours for it to be good.
Here are some alternatives to consider:
- Technology is helpful, but humans misuse it.
- The real issue is fear.
- Technology reflects human flaws they don’t want to face.
Turn Your Ideas into a Man vs. Technology Story
Man vs. technology isn’t a new type of conflict. It has always existed. Writing a man vs. technology conflict can’t get any more relevant than today. Technology is rapidly changing, which is causing fear and discussion around the topic.
Many people ask themselves if technology is truly good for us. Furthermore, should we continue to develop and invent new technology? Your story can try to answer some of those questions.
Don’t let the people wait. There are millions of people out there waiting for a story like yours to come by. For this reason, write. Explore as many storylines as possible, and let yourself be creative. Your future readers are counting on you.
