An Unhappy World: Communication Theories and Contemporary Dystopian Scenarios

Abstract

This article focuses on dystopias. Dystopias in fiction, which are increasingly prevalent; dystopian situations in the real world; and the crucial importance of everything to do with communication in the configuration of such dystopias. It exemplifies the enthusiasm for the dystopian by showing the link between dystopias and some of the main theoretical approaches that try to explain the functioning of communication in the complex contemporary scenario, as well as by the irruption of momentary dystopias, such as the Covid-19 crisis, the electrical blackout in Spain or the Dana of Valencia. The approach of the article can be summarized in this idea: we live in a clearly dystopian communication system. Either because communication is a tool of control, or because communication devices are out of control. And often - incredible as it may seem - because of control and uncontrol at the same time. The desire to control everything and the perception that more and more things escape our control and that of the governments and corporations that theoretically try to control us.