Control The Citizens in The Orwell's Novel 1984

How is a technology used to strike fear into citizens? 

The telescreen is the most enforcing way used against the citizens. It’s described as a “kind of two-way television that watches you as you watch it”, Which makes the “BIG BROTHER IS ALWAYS WATCHING” quote makes this figure/person who represents the Party’s power seem more realistic. The citizens' lame actions and boring quotes are even monitored by the screen which is on 24/7. When are main character Winston is arrested, a voice from the telescreen tells him what’s coming and criticizes his actions. The most terrifying use of technology is being vaporized which means if the government/party finds you guilty you disappear.

How do citizens feel about tech? 

The citizens feel as if their freedom is dead and gone. “If you want to keep a secret, you must also hide it from yourself” this quote references the thought police. The Thought Police are hired by the government to watch all of the screens. The thought police allow finding anyone who has committed crimes against the party such as speaking out, not participating in activities, appearing to not enjoy Party activities, and even thinking badly about activities. This will lead to Winston and Julia starting a revolt because of their paranoia about the Party and the overriding belief that the Party will eventually catch and punish them.

Besides radio/tv what other tech is used? 

Telescreens and the terror of being vaporized are just two ways of controlling the citizens. There are more ways the party enforces fear and monitors their citizens such as public hangings, physical torture, Junior Spies and the main one is room 101. None of these methods involve technology they all use your mind against you. Which causes Feelings of terror, paranoia, and overthinking, that keep the citizens on the edge and obedient. Citizens have been told since birth to believe what the Party says. The party also influenced the citizens to use doublethink, which google defines as “the acceptance of or mental capacity to accept contrary opinions or beliefs at the same time, especially as a result of political indoctrination”. So “war is peace” “freedom is slavery” and “ignorance is strength ” are slogans repeated by the party that cause citizens to fall into doublethink. These ways are perhaps the most effective means of control that the Party has to use.

In what ways is a technology used to control the citizens in the novel? 

Using technological and non-technological to limit the human mind which will lead to revolt. The Party maintained power through mind games, not technology. Orwell wants to warn us against more than the power of technology but we are hinted at and given the evidence that suggests that the mind is the most dangerous weapon of all.