I Need It!

In the modern age, seemingly everyone is glued to either a phone or computer screen. With advances in technology, we are able to do things that were once unthinkable: communicate in real time with people thousands of miles away, send mail instantly through Emails, and post a selfie in mere seconds. Although technology offers tremendous opportunity, we have become too dependent on it. In both the Circle and in real life, the ability to rapidly send and receive information through technology creates a belief in people that they must know everything.

In the Circle, with advanced technology, such as SeeChange, humans are given the ability to know almost anything, making people crave information. While such cutting-edge technology may seem advantageous at first, it creates unlimited want. For example, in one instance, Mae publishes a survey in which she asks "Is Mae Holland awesome or what?" (Eggers 408). Even though 97 percent of people give her a "smile," 3 percent, a scant 368 people, give her a "frown." Mae becomes obsessed with the 3 percent and believes it is up to her to "know those who frowned at her were, and to win them over" (419). Without technology, Mae would never know these 368 people didn't like her. Despite having an overwhelming majority, she is only concerned with knowing who the 368 are and how to make them like her. Mae's reliance on technology makes it clear to see that she is faced with unknowns, she becomes stressed.

Real life isn't much different from the Circle. Have you ever gone somewhere and one of your friends has gotten mad because you didn't tell them beforehand? Everyone in our society has a cellphone and can instantaneously send and receive information. We become so used to knowing every movement of each other though our use of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and the like. It has come to a point where we believe it's socially unacceptable for people to not exist online. We need to know at least some details of every person's life.

With the help of social media and our cellphones, many of us stay in constant contact with our friends, even if we are not in their physical presence. But this reliance on technology has developed an insatiable desire for information. For example, if you text a friend inviting them to dinner, but they don't answer their phone, you're left wondering why they're "ignoring" you. Thoughts run through your mind: "Do they hate me?" "What did I do?" "Where are they?" "Are they in danger?" In reality, their phone probably died. Because we are so accustomed to having constant communication with other people, we often become distressed when disconnected, even if only for a moment.

Kids these days.
Photo via: Esther Vargas

We are lucky to live in such an advanced culture. Many of us have access to state-of-the-art devices in our daily lives. Still, this blessing does not come devoid of problems. Like Mae, many of us use social media on a daily basis. We are hyper-aware of everyone else's movements. We have become so used to knowing so much, that we are always needing more and more information.  

All Hail the Circle

Before I begin this post, I am going to ask you to think of a weed, similar to one you may find in a garden. At one point in time a weed is just a small, invisible seed in the ground. Within time, the weed grows from a seed, to a small plant. It eventually becomes invasive and tangles itself in other plants and objects, making it almost impossible to destroy.  Like a weed, the Circle started from humble beginnings. As time progresses, however, the Circle grows into an influential and powerful entity that entangles people in its mission to become an all-powerful organization.

As the size and capabilities of the Circle grows, so does the influence it wields on relationships. It's clear to see that Mae is totally engrossed by the Circle, and her life is focused on advancing in the company. The Circle has such a proud influence on Mae that she cannot focus on sustaining a relationship with anyone, even her parents. In fact, Mae's father tells her that living like a Circler is "actually very stressful" (Eggers 367). Mae's need to satisfy her followers binds her to the plight of her father who is suffering from MS. She responds coldly: "Stop. You sound terrible"(368). Mae gets to a point where she cares more about her job, than she does about human connections and feelings, even when regarding her own parents. This point illustrates how the Circle controls Mae's mind and puts a strain on her relationship with her parents. 

The Circle's invasive roots ensnare people who want nothing to do with the company. In the case of Mae's parents, their lives are "already pretty fraught" (368) and they do not have time for the Circle's antics. Still, Mae is so encapsulated by the Circle's way of life that she attempts to suck other people  into it as well. She initiates the installation of SeeChnage cameras in their household and expects her ailing father and weary mother to respond to messages from followers. You can see how Mae is used by the Circle to suck people into its way of life. 

With the influence of the Circle expanding to an ever greater audience, the company begins pondering totalitarian ideas. Having already established a monopoly on the technology industry, the only remaining course of action is to attempt to replace the United States government. Its only logical: first technology, then the United States, then the world! When discussing the capabilities of the Circle, Stetson boldly inquires, "...wouldn't it eliminate much of Washington?" (395).  The Circle's unbridled power and strong influence leads them to adopt totalitarian ideas. For example, if a dictator of a nation sees an opportunity to annex another nation, he will do so in order to increase his own power. In a similar manner, the influence that the Circle has developed creates an opportunity for even more power.

Left unchecked, a weed can grow throughout a garden and strangle all other plants. Its roots spread throughout the ground and more plants pop up. The Circle, like a weed, spreads its roots though its excessive use of technology. Unrestrained, the Circle weed could envelope an entire nation.