Feed by M.T. Anderson
“Brain implants, rampant consumerism, and the fight to think freely.”
M.T. Anderson's "Feed" is a prophetic punch in the gut, a chilling cautionary tale about the dangers lurking behind screens and the commodification of individuality. Set in a future where the "feed" is a brain implant granting constant access to a relentless torrent of information, advertising, and social connection, "Feed" reveals a world in which critical thought and personal reflection have dangerously atrophied.
The novel's protagonist, Titus, is the epitome of his generation—apathetic, distracted, and utterly dependent on the feed's validation. His distorted language, peppered with corporate-speak and marketing jingles, is both humorous and horrifying, reflecting the profound erosion of communication. The story picks up steam when Titus meets Violet, a girl battling against the feed's influence. Their burgeoning relationship provides a touchstone of humanity amid the bleak dystopian landscape.
Anderson's satire is merciless, and his world feels eerily familiar in our current age of social media and algorithmic manipulation. The focus on environmental decay, as evident in toxic "lesions" blighting the landscape, adds a layer of urgency to the cautionary tone. While Titus is initially a difficult character to sympathize with, his gradual awakening to the manipulative nature of the feed is both compelling and disconcerting.
The novel's most potent strength lies in its discomforting ambiguity. The ending refuses to offer easy solutions or neat resolutions, underlining the ongoing struggle for free thought and autonomy. "Feed" forces its readers to confront their own complicity within a system of consumerism and technology that may ultimately erode what makes us human.
"Feed" raises powerful questions about our dependence on technology, corporate manipulation, and the potential loss of individuality and critical thought. This unsettling novel is prophetic– especially considering it was published in 2002, a time well before the era of social media dominance. While not a traditionally pleasant read, M.T. Anderson's work demands your attention.
