The Chronicles of a Lost People

The Chronicles of a Lost People is a dystopian novella exploring the dangers of automated digital surveillance and modern-day totalitarianism. It focuses on the psychological toll the lack of privacy inflicts upon its subjects. The novella consists of three narratives showcasing the inner turmoils of a violent rebel, a gloating dictator, and a desperately dissociating civilian. The narratives are framed by an author figure asking the reader to consider what they are willing to give up in the name of progress and pleading not to let a system like it be created again.

Digital totalitarianism is not as unlikely as it might seem. Even though strongly sensationalized in Western media, China does intend to implement a Social Credit System (SCS) targeting “moral integrity.” Considering it has the highest CCTV per capita ratio worldwide, this system would lean on existing digital surveillance. Even if such data were never to be centralized or reviewed by AI algorithms, which is doubtful, there remains an enormous abuse potential. 

As this was the author’s first attempt at novella writing, research into its technical aspects was necessary. This was by far the easiest part of the research process since finding qualitative sources on the SCS proved nearly impossible. The writer hopes this work will spark some much-needed discussion about the unwanted dangers of technological progress.