HUC 101 LCC Communications Blackmirror Nose Drive Questions

Final Exam
Black Mirror: Nosedive
Black Mirror is a British science-fiction show created in 2011. Each independent episode
explores the effects of new technologies on human communication and behaviors, and raises
questions about the meaning of being a human. For this final exam, you will use the episode
Nosedive to think critically about the effect of technology on humans.
Assignment Requirements
1. Watch Nosedive, ep.1 Season3 (2016). This episode explores what happens to human
beings when one’s status in society is solely determined by a rating system.
2. In addition to the introduction, please answer three questions: two questions from
the first three proposed, and question 4.
3. For each question, please give define the concepts relevant to your argument and
include specific examples from the story to illustrate your points.
4. Include comments on the ways colors, architecture, music, and locations reinforce
your ideas.
Questions and Answers Format
• 3 to 4 pages
• Font 12 – double space – 1” margins
• Answer each question separately and bold each concept from the textbook
• Upload on Blackboard and in the assessment section of the ePortfolio in the
integrative/written competency
Introduction
In a few lines, explain how this episode asks the viewers to think critically about the effects of
technologies on human behaviors and on the ways these behaviors shape our society.
Explain your choice of questions to the reader.
Questions
1. A society based on ratings (chapters 4 and 7)
How does the system of ratings affect identity construction and relational communication?
What is the relationship between the ratings, and social isolation and popularity? Examine
Lacy’s relationship with her brother, and Naomi. What new identity is Lacy creating and
to what end? In your experience, how has social media influenced your sense of identity
and your relationships with others, or others’ sense of identity and relationship with you? If
you do not use social media, explain your choice and the consequences, if any, of that
choice. After taking this class, do you plan on changing any of your online/social media
behaviors? Please explain why or why not.
2. The power of verbal and nonverbal communication (chapters 4,5,6,8,9)
How does the rating system govern the way people communicate verbally and nonverbally
with one another? What are the requirements for social success in this particular
environment? Compare Lacy’s use of language and nonverbal communication during her
conversations with her brother, with the woman in the elevator, and with Naomi. To what
extent are Lucy’s interactions with others successful? In what ways have you adapted your
verbal and nonverbal communication to specific environments? How have the rules that
guide the communication in these different environments influenced your communication
behaviors? For example, if this is your first semester in college, think about the ways you
have adapted, or not, to the college environment. If you work, examine the rules that
govern your workplace and explain how you have adapted your verbal and nonverbal
communication, or not, to these norms.
3. The race toward popularity (All chapters)
To improve her rating, Lacy must gain popularity. How ethical is her use of
communication especially in relation to the content of the speech she is preparing for her
friend’s wedding- not the one she delivers?
In your own experience, name a moment where you had to act a certain way to obtain
something you wanted at work, at school, at home. Based on the consequences of your
action and what you have learned this semester, how would you act now if placed in the
same situation?
4. The message in this episode (All chapters)
Your textbook explores how communication is integrated in everyday life and will help
you better understand — and even improve– your life through better understanding of
communication. Lacy’s story shows the possible negative effects of technology on relational
communication. What have you learned about communication this semester that can help
you create and maintain healthy relationships with family, friends, and colleagues? To
what extent have your communication behaviors changed, or not, as a result of studying
communication?