Have you ever read George Orwell's book 1984? It is a powerful story that makes people consider the dangers of excessive government control. The novel depicts a world where a strict government constantly monitors everyone, controls what people think and believe, and even changes facts to suit its own needs. This creates a frightening world where people no longer have privacy or freedom. Some readers may find this story both frightening and important because it serves as a warning about what might happen if power is abused. What do you think about this type of control? In many ways, this fictional world resembles some things happening in our world today, such as government surveillance and the spread of misinformation.

In the book, the government employs a device called a telescreen to constantly monitor its citizens. This reminds us of today's smartphones, cameras, and internet devices, which can also be tapped and used to track our activities. This kind of surveillance makes people feel like they are always being watched and judged, which limits their freedom. Some governments in the real world even use systems to monitor and control the behavior of their citizens. Another important idea in this novel is the government’s control over the truth. In 1984, the Party constantly revised history and spread lies to maintain its power. Today, disinformation and ‘fake news’ on social media and in the news can also change the way people view the world. This illustrates the importance of carefully checking the authenticity of information and thinking critically, so that we do not easily fall prey to hoaxes or false stories that have not been proven to be true.

The loss of freedom in 1984 serves as a warning about what happens when people are unable to speak or think freely. Even in modern societies today, censorship and restrictions on freedom of speech can still be encountered, whether through government regulations or social pressure. This novel reminds us why protecting the freedom to speak and express our thoughts is so essential for a healthy society. Overall, George Orwell's novel 1984 serves as a powerful reminder for us to remain aware of the abuse of power, protect our freedoms, and critically examine the information that those in power want us to believe. This novel encourages us to take action and stay aware so that the dystopian world Orwell imagined does not become our reality.

Content Writer: Della Aulia Feronica Editor: Florenia Neve Suryani