Superheroes, special powers, space wars, strange life forms and numerous s-alliterations. Science fiction undoubtedly dominates pop culture. The craze of sci-fi shows, books and movies has been around in contemporary media for what feels like forever and seems to continue growing in popularity. Due to the accessibility of social media forums and special interest groups filled with science fiction patrons, the love of the genre is all over the internet. Whether you are a fan of sci-fi or not, the acclaim of books and movies like Dune, Star Wars and 3 Body Problem suggests that many are engaged and tuned in. How does sci-fi pull it off?
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, sci-fi, short for science fiction, is a genre of fiction “in which the setting and story feature hypothetical scientific or technological advances, the existence of alien life, space or time travel, etc.”. Work from the 1600s is regarded as the first ever science fiction novel, however, many believe that it was popularised by Mary Shelley, who published Frankenstein in 1818. The genre has come very far since then and continues to captivate millions of people through interesting renditions of life, technology, space, and more.
Why do people watch sci-fi?
It explores the what-ifs
Isaac Asimov defined science fiction as “the branch of literature that deals with the response of human beings to changes in the level of science and technology”. Sci-fi delves into scenarios that push the boundaries of our understanding, and it challenges not only conventional thinking but our daily realities. In this way, sci-fi gives people an escape through which they can explore worlds that they could not access otherwise. In some, technology has advanced beyond our wildest dreams and is either a friend or a foe. In others, humanity makes attempts to connect with extraterrestrial civilizations and succeeds, either to their benefit or detriment. Sci-fi encourages audiences to contemplate our potential futures and the implications of our actions.
It addresses contemporary issues
Nobel laureate JM Coetzee’s novel Waiting for the Barbarians – set in nowhere, nowhen – follows a civilization and its overlords in racial, economic and political ruin. In a paper titled “Science Fiction in South Africa”, Deidre C Byrne classed Coetzee’s novel as a work of speculative fabulation because under all the sci-fi elements, it presented the real crisis of racial tension in SA. Thus, this genre can be used as a device to represent real-world issues, raise awareness for them, and suggest their solutions.
It helps audiences build community
By fostering shared experiences and sparking lively discussions among fans, the sci-fi community might be tighter than the Bey-Hives and the Swifties combined. Whether through online forums like 4chan and Reddit, fan conventions such as Botcon, or social media groups like Sci-fi Geeks on Facebook, sci-fi enthusiasts know how to build a community. The sci-fi subreddit alone has 4.2 million followers, and fans dissect plot twists, discuss their own book or movie ideas, and talk about future storylines.
It makes for an interesting watch
It has to! Most sci-fi books are well over 600 pages with multiple books in a series, and their movies tend to reach the three-hour mark. Sci-fi blends multiple genres in a captivating way. From romantic subplots to layered, inter-dimensional comedy and thrilling action, sci-fi offers a diverse range of storytelling that keeps viewers entertained.
In the world of science fiction, imagination knows no bounds. From thrilling adventures to mind-bending mysteries, from Batman to Rick and Morty and Sherlock Holmes in the 22nd Century, it keeps us hooked with its endless possibilities. Whether we are fans or sceptics, one thing is certain: sci-fi has a way of capturing our imagination and leaving us wanting more every time.
