These days, when I dive into tech news, I’m filled with awe, excitement, and a bit of fear. Technology is racing ahead, but it comes with many risks. We hear about self-driving cars that fail, Bitcoin scams affecting people’s savings, deepfake videos influencing elections, and algorithms that can lead vulnerable individuals toward harmful actions.
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It’s tricky to discuss the dangers of technologies that seemed far-fetched not long ago. This is where tech thrillers come in. They explore the ethical side of our dependence on technology and entertain us while highlighting the risks of rapid advancement.
The term “thriller” can mean many things. For some, it’s about spies or chases. For me, it’s any fast-paced novel that feels tense and showcases life-or-death stakes. In tech thrillers, that tension often stems from the clash between technology and humanity.
These stories typically push current technologies to their limits, exposing potential dangers in the process. Robots may turn fully sentient, and virtual reality can feel like everyday life. Right now, many of these tales focus on artificial intelligence—reflecting our ongoing discussions about this powerful technology.
Sometimes, it’s hard to distinguish between what’s real and what’s fiction in these stories. With advances in AI and biotechnology happening so quickly, readers might see actual threats as just imaginative scenarios.
This makes writing about technology a challenge. By the time a book is published, the very ideas in it can feel outdated—or, alarmingly, become reality. Take my latest book, Vantage Point. Some elements that felt fictional when I started writing are now all too real.
Colin Winnette faced a similar issue with his book Users, which deals with a future virtual-reality company. He noted, “I thought I was exaggerating reality, but by the time the book came out, everything felt surprisingly plausible. It was thrilling, yet scary.”
The best tech thrillers embrace this unpredictability. These books give life to the edge of technological advancement, using fiction to imagine what lies ahead, not just for technology but for the people who interact with it. In a world driven by the pursuit of innovation, these stories remind us to consider the human impact behind tech developments, all while keeping us engaged and anxious to turn the page.
Michael Crichton, Prey
You can’t discuss tech thrillers without mentioning Michael Crichton. He’s a giant in this genre, but one standout from his work is the 2002 novel Prey. In this story, scientists create nanobots that become sentient and dangerous. As these tiny creatures turn on their creators, a programmer races against time to save his loved ones. The theme resonates with our current fears about artificial intelligence, especially when the nanobots produce exact replicas of people—echoing the rise of deepfake technology.
Samanta Schweblin, Little Eyes
Ever feel like your devices know you too well? In Samanta Schweblin’s Little Eyes, this concept takes center stage. The story revolves around kentukis, electronic pets that let people observe others from afar. Through various short narratives, Schweblin reveals the seductive and dangerous nature of these gadgets, questioning how far people will go for connection. The fragmented structure gives it a unique feel, but the underlying tension matches some of the darkest crime stories.
Sierra Greer, Annie Bot
Sierra Greer’s captivating novel Annie Bot features a sex robot who gains self-awareness at her owner’s request. This clever twist on a domestic thriller explores big themes like freedom and artificial intelligence. As Annie dreams of a life beyond her original purpose, her journey reveals her strength and resilience against a violent owner. Unlike other tech thrillers where tech is a threat, here, it takes center stage as the protagonist, making for a compelling exploration of identity and humanity.
Ken Liu, The Hidden Girl and Other Stories
Ken Liu’s collection features a mix of fantasy and stories that mirror our current fears. I first heard about Liu from a student, Luis, who was captivated by his work. One compelling series in this collection explores a world where people can upload their brains, allowing them to exist digitally forever. Another story addresses dark themes of how VR can manipulate emotional responses to drive donations for real-life tragedies.
One story struck a personal chord for me: “Real Artists.” It follows a filmmaker who finds out that beloved films are actually created by AI. This advanced algorithm studies audience reactions to craft the perfect movie experience. The work portrays how AI’s growth often comes at the expense of human talent and creativity.
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