15.4 The impact of technology and globalization on 21st-century British literature

Technology and globalization have revolutionized British literature in the 21st century. Digital platforms, social media, and virtual reality are reshaping storytelling, blurring lines between authors and readers. Cyberpunk explores tech's impact on society, while big data narratives tackle privacy issues.

Transnational literature reflects our interconnected world, exploring migration and hybrid identities. Climate fiction (cli-fi) addresses environmental concerns, while glocalization adapts global themes to local contexts. These trends showcase British literature's evolution in a rapidly changing world.

Digital and Technological Influences

The Rise of Digital Literature and New Narrative Forms

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  What is digital literacy? | Dr. Ian O'Byrne View original

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  What is digital literacy? | Dr. Ian O'Byrne View original

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• Digital literature encompasses works created and consumed using digital technologies (e-books, hypertext fiction, interactive fiction)
• Social media narratives leverage platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to tell stories through posts, comments, and multimedia content
  • Allows for real-time audience interaction and co-creation of narratives
  • Blurs the lines between author, reader, and character
• Virtual reality in literature explores immersive storytelling experiences that engage multiple senses and allow readers to interact with fictional worlds (VR novels, VR poetry)

Cyberpunk and the Exploration of Technology's Impact on Society

• Cyberpunk genre focuses on the intersection of high technology and low life, often set in dystopian futures with advanced AI, virtual reality, and cybernetic enhancements
  • Explores themes of identity, corporate power, and the blurring of the line between human and machine
  • Notable works include William Gibson's "Neuromancer" and Neal Stephenson's "Snow Crash"
• Big data narratives examine the implications of vast amounts of digital information on society, privacy, and individual agency
  • Raises questions about surveillance, data ownership, and the power of algorithms in shaping human experiences
  • Examples include Dave Eggers' "The Circle" and Hari Kunzru's "Transmission"

Globalization and Transnationalism

Transnational Literature and the Blurring of Cultural Boundaries

• Transnational literature reflects the increasing interconnectedness of the world, with stories and characters that cross national and cultural borders
  • Explores themes of migration, diaspora, and hybrid identities
  • Authors often draw from multiple cultural traditions and languages
• Glocalization refers to the adaptation of global products, ideas, or practices to local contexts
  • In literature, this can manifest as the incorporation of local languages, customs, and narratives into works that engage with global themes and genres
  • Allows for the creation of unique, culturally-specific stories that resonate with local audiences while participating in global literary conversations

Emerging Genres and Themes

Climate Fiction (Cli-Fi) and Environmental Consciousness

• Cli-fi is a growing genre that addresses the impacts of climate change and environmental degradation through speculative and often dystopian narratives
  • Raises awareness about the urgency of the climate crisis and explores potential future scenarios
  • Works can span various subgenres, including science fiction, fantasy, and literary fiction
• Cli-fi novels often depict the consequences of rising sea levels, extreme weather events, resource scarcity, and mass migrations
  • Encourages readers to reflect on their own environmental responsibilities and the need for collective action
• Notable examples include Margaret Atwood's "MaddAddam" trilogy and Barbara Kingsolver's "Flight Behavior"