© Getty Images

Class division -

The first major way that ‘1984’ has come true is through the development of a hierarchical society. No matter the country, economic inequality has created massive class divisions between the wealthy and the poor.

© Shutterstock 

Fearmongering -

In today’s climate, the fear that people have of each other and their governments are quite powerfully reflected in ‘1984’ as well. Some policies and media agencies intentionally distort information so that people are constantly afraid.

© Shutterstock

Nationalism and authoritarianism -

The rise of nationalism and authoritarianism across different nations reflects the tightening grip of ruling authorities, as well as the curbing of individual freedoms portrayed in Orwell's novel.

© Shutterstock

Totalitarianism -

In ‘1984,’ totalitarianism reigns supreme, and free speech is something entirely unheard of. The regime exerts infinite control over the economy and culture of the people, which some have argued is already unfolding in parts of the world today.

© Shutterstock

Government control of information -

There are continuous attempts by modern governments to control access to information and suppress dissent online through internet regulations. This also takes the world one step closer to the totalitarian society of Orwell’s book.

© Shutterstock

Mistrust of authority -

The growing mistrust of government and its institutions–such as the police and educational establishments–resembles the skepticism depicted in ‘1984.’

© Shutterstock

Resistance and rebellion -

Even while governments attempt to suppress dissent and control thought, there are resistance movements that defy the authoritarian regimes. They try desperately to uphold the ideals of freedom and democracy.

© Getty Images

Mass gatherings and rallies -

On the other hand, there are people who inspire mass gatherings designed to heighten emotion and loyalty to the ruling regime. This resembles the Two Minutes Hate sessions of Orwell’s novel.

© Shutterstock

State control of media -

Much like our modern society, ‘1984’ shows how media outlets and journalism are overtaken by the ruling class in order to have control over the spread of information.

© Shutterstock

Social engineering -

The manipulation and control of the media also ensures that the social behavior of society is engineered and supervised. People are made to believe things that may no necessarily be true.

© Shutterstock

Bias in algorithms -

The manipulation that you see in ‘1984’ can also be found on social media platforms and search engines in the real world. Algorithms reinforce existing biases and control the narratives that are presented to users.

© Shutterstock

Surveillance cameras -

CCTV cameras are used as a means of controlling a population, thus ensuring that supposedly ‘improper’ behavior is monitored, corrected, and even punished.

© Getty Images

Government surveillance programs -

Over time, various global governments have implemented programs through which they could monitor communication and behavior, including ECHELON–operated by the US. These programs reflect similar practices in the dystopia of ‘1984.’

© Shutterstock

Mass surveillance technology -

In a similar vein, there is the rapid increase of technology that can be used to watch people in other ways, such as cellular devices that unwittingly record without consent. This creates what is called "Big Brother mentality," where people feel as though they are continuously being watched.

© Getty Images

Perpetual war -

The concept of perpetual war, which is used to maintain power and control over the population, bears resemblance to ongoing conflicts and military interventions in the real world.

© Getty Images

Censorship and book banning -

The real-life censorship or banning of literature that is deemed politically sensitive or subversive is a reflection of similar tactics used by the ruling regime in ‘1984.’

© Shutterstock

Erosion of individual rights -

In Orwell’s novel, individual rights and civil liberties are slowly eroded in the name of security and stability. This isn’t far from the current political climate that permeates society today.

© Shutterstock

Social scoring systems -

Some countries, such as China, have implemented social credit systems, where individuals are rated based on behavior and compliance with government standards. This is a social control mechanism that can be seen in literature as well.

© Shutterstock

Government control of education -

The ideologies of governments are shaped into the very education and curriculum of schools. Information that would cast negative light on government agendas is removed from teaching programs, so that citizens become more compliant.

© Shutterstock

Manipulation of history -

Much in the same way that governments can control education, they also have the power to rewrite and manipulate the way historical events are narrated.

© Shutterstock

Newspeak and thought control -

The very language that people use in ‘1984’ is controlled, and a new dialect called "newspeak" was created. This dialect subdues individuality and prevents critical thinking. This rather shockingly reflects the world’s current situation, where political correctness is rising through the ranks.

© Shutterstock

Doublethink -

The acceptance of contradictory beliefs or ideologies, as exemplified by political doublespeak and misinformation, parallels the concept of doublethink in Orwell's novel.

© Shutterstock

Propaganda -

The dissemination of propaganda through media channels and social media platforms influences public opinion and shapes perceptions.

© Shutterstock

Telescreens and smart devices -

Smartphones, smart TVs, and other devices have become ubiquitous. They have also become the best place to collect data that can be used to extensively monitor the population.

© Shutterstock

Privacy concerns -

Growing concerns about privacy and data collection by modern governments and corporations resonate with the themes of surveillance and control in ‘1984.’

© Shutterstock

Loss of individual autonomy -

As privacy is diminished and social behavior is engineered, people start to lose their sense of individuality, as well as their ability to move through the world freely and autonomously. Not only is this reflected in the Party in ‘1984,’ but also in real life.

© Shutterstock

Persecution of dissidents -

The targeting and persecution of political dissidents, whistleblowers, and activists who challenge authority mirror the repression of dissent that can be seen in ‘1984.’

© Getty Images

Corporate influence -

In today’s world, corporations have the power to influence government policies, similar to that seen in Orwell’s novel.

© Shutterstock

Fear of outsiders -

Orwell’s literature quite prominently portrays how fear of foreigners and the ‘other’ can lead to xenophobia, much like our current society.

© Getty Images

Scapegoating of marginalized groups -

In order to divert blame from the government and its corporate alliances, societal issues are pinned on marginalized groups and dissidents.

Sources: (‘1984’) (Modern Language Association) (BBC) (Forbes)

See also: Books that shockingly predicted the future

© Getty Images