5 Black Mirror Episodes That Predicted Tech's Future Frighteningly Well

However, over its 6 seasons, the highly-acclaimed show has been eerily close to predicting the future of tech on more than one occasion.

Here are five episodes that were as spine-chilling as they were uncannily close to predicting tech's future.

Fifteen Million Merits (Season 1, Episode 2) - Microtransactions and Capitalism

Painting a haunting picture of a society consumed by capitalism, the episode depicts a society where people earn merits simply by pedaling exercise bikes. This dystopian future, where every aspect of life is monetized, mirrors the increasing dominance of microtransactions in our society today. From in-app purchases to subscription models, the episode foretold a world where capitalism seeps into every corner of our lives.

The Entire History of You (Season 1, Episode 3) - Wearable Tech and Neural Implants

The Entire History of You delved into a world where people can record and replay every moment of their lives using an implant called 'the grain.' Although not fully realized, heavy investments in wearable technology and neural implant research have since been made. As we see more gadgets like augmented reality glasses becoming mainstream and neural interfaces making strides in medical and technological fields, the episode's foresight is undoubtedly looking to become an alarming reality.

White Christmas (Season 2, Episode 4) - Smart Home Controllers and Multi-Home Connected Devices

This chilling Christmas special showcased a future where smart home controllers control every aspect of your living environment. This episode's predictions align precisely with the emergence and popularity of multi-home connected devices, just like the Amazon Echo. From adjusting the temperature to ordering groceries, these devices now serve as a central hub for interconnected homes. As our homes become 'smarter' and connected, White Christmas offers a glimpse into a future that may not be too far off.

Men Against Fire (Season 3, Episode 5) - Misinformation and Discrimination

While we haven't witnessed a recent mass genocide resulting from deceptive technology, Men Against Fire accurately reflects the alarming rise of misinformation and its impact on society. The episode depicts a world where soldiers see augmented reality overlays that distort their perception of actual reality, leading them to commit heinous acts against perceived enemies. This episode's prediction reflects the growing presence of fake news and its role in perpetuating hate speech, discrimination, and prejudice against minorities and cultures, further fueling division in our world.

Hang the DJ (Season 4, Episode 4) - The Continuing Dominance of Dating Apps

Although a rare episode with a more upbeat message, Hang the DJ takes a closer look at the involvement of dating apps in our lives. In this episode, an advanced matchmaking system determines the duration of relationships, providing a highly accurate portrayal of the current dating landscape. As more people turn to dating apps to find their significant others, Black Mirror's prediction of their continuing prominence rings true, highlighting the social shift in how we now approach love and companionship almost entirely through our phones.