Arkangel is the second episode of the fourth season of Netflix’s, Black Mirror, a science fiction anthology series exploring the dark side of technology. Premiering in December 2017, the trailer for this episode depicts Marie, a single mother who signs her daughter Sara onto a trial of Arkangel, a child-monitoring implant system. Using a handheld tablet, Marie is able to monitor what Sara sees and hears in addition to her health status. The system also enables Marie to automatically censor external stimuli that causes Sara stress, such as a barking dog. When Sara grows to be a teenager, a psychologist recommends that Marie disable Arkangel due to its potential side effects. Despite the professional guidance, Marie eventually reverts back to using the application when she suspects her daughter is lying to her.

discussion

What do we first learn about Marie and her daughter, Sara?

What motivates Marie to join the Arkangel pilot? 

What does it mean to be a “good” mother or parent? What are the implications of using this kind of technology to improve one’s parenting?

How does Arkangel compare to other surveillance or monitoring technologies you are aware of? Do you think the use of such technology is justified? Why or why not?