7 Novels to Help You Think About Technology
As our world rapidly advances in technology, it can become increasingly challenging to navigate the cultural, ethical, and philosophical questions that arise from these changes. While nonfiction books provide valuable analysis and information about technological trends, certain works of fiction uniquely engage the imagination and offer deep reflections on humanity’s relationship with technology. Andrew Spencer of The Gospel Coalition highlights seven novels that serve as powerful tools for thinking critically about the role and impact of technology in society. Many of these are dystopian narratives, offering cautionary perspectives that challenge readers to consider the purposes and consequences of technological development.
- That Hideous Strength by C. S. Lewis
The final book in Lewis’s “Space Trilogy,” That Hideous Strength combines gripping storytelling with rich theological and social commentary. Written during the tumultuous era leading up to and during World War II, it examines the peril of elevating materialistic science while neglecting spiritual and moral truths. The novel dramatizes the dangers of forsaking ethical wisdom in favor of brute scientific advancement, reminding readers of the importance of balancing reason with meaning. Lewis’s portrayal of a deceptive form of supernaturalism masked as scientific naturalism remains particularly insightful in an age where some view AI and technology with suspicion or even fear. That Hideous Strength invites readers to reflect on the cultural tensions surrounding the role of technology and the human soul.
- Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Nobel laureate Kazuo Ishiguro’s Klara and the Sun explores a near-future world where genetic engineering and AI companions are normalized. Told from the perspective of Klara, an artificial intelligence designed to be a child’s companion, the novel masterfully contemplates what it means to love, serve, and have personhood in a world shaped by advanced technology. As Klara develops sentience and forms relationships, the story raises profound questions about dependency on technology, the ethics of genetic modification, and the boundaries between human and machine. Its forthcoming film adaptation, slated for 2026, underscores the novel’s resonance as speculative fiction deeply relevant to contemporary debates.
- The Mysterious Benedict Society by Trenton Lee Stewart
Aimed at younger readers but relevant for all ages, The Mysterious Benedict Society highlights the psychological and societal effects of media saturation. In this engaging adventure, four gifted children work together to thwart a sinister plan known as The Emergency — a scheme to control the population through induced anxiety and manipulation. The novel draws attention to how media and technology can subtly influence hearts and minds, often without individuals fully realizing it. Unlike many children’s stories, the book features competent adults collaborating with the kids, reinforcing a balanced approach to problem-solving. Its themes provide an excellent springboard for conversations about media literacy and the mental health implications of our connected world.
- 1984 by George Orwell
No list about technology and dystopia would be complete without George Orwell’s seminal work, 1984. Published in 1949, the novel envisioned a totalitarian regime employing pervasive surveillance and propaganda to exert control over its citizens. Orwell’s vision is alarmingly prescient as contemporary societies grapple with data privacy, government oversight, and voluntary surveillance through social media and digital devices. Reading 1984 remains an essential exercise for understanding the political and ethical dangers of technological misuse and the sacrifice of individual freedom for the illusion of security.
Additional novels on this topic continue to provoke thoughtful consideration of how humanity’s increasing reliance on technology can either liberate or enslave. By engaging with these stories, readers gain more than entertainment — they encounter vivid, imaginative frameworks that challenge them to rethink society’s trajectory and personal responsibility in an era defined by rapid technological change.
For those eager to deepen their exploration, Andrew Spencer’s original article on The Gospel Coalition offers further insights and recommendations for books that illuminate the complex dynamics between faith, culture, and technology. Fiction, through its capacity to make abstract ideas tangible and emotionally resonant, serves as a vital resource for anyone seeking to navigate the promises and perils of the digital age with wisdom and discernment.
