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While we may imagine a dystopian future of thought police, killer robots, and nuclear fallout, the real future predictions are much more boring. Instead of being brutally brainwashed and enslaved by fascist, authoritarian regimes, we have willingly enslaved ourselves. By allowing the top 1% to get exponentially richer, we drown in a sea of debts, tech, advertising, endless wars, environmental destruction, addictions, depression... the list goes on.

Brilliant, isn't it? But it's ok; there's always Facebook to scroll through (Bored Panda too, obvs), Netflix to watch, chemical-laden meals to consume, manufactured outrages over a mermaid's skin color to comment on. Who's got time for thoughtful resistance in this sick, sad world? Even those that think they are resisting by electing bigoted billionaires, bankers and Eton toffs to represent them are simply playing into their hands, as their dishonest, scaremongering claptrap divides us ever further over political, racial and gender lines!

Sometimes we need to take a step back and see the forest for the trees. This list, compiled by Bored Panda, contains some pretty terrifying examples of present-day dystopian society, things that make you realize that beyond all the distractions of trying to survive and thrive in the rat race, something's not quite right with this world.

So if you didn't find the sinister scenes of mindless automatons chanting “send her back” chilling enough, scroll down below to get a reality check on the spookily Orwellian society we are allowing to be constructed, and let's see if we can fix our near future in the comments! If you want to see even more proof of our dystopian world, be sure to check out our previous list!

The term 'boring dystopia was coined by the late academic and cultural theorist Mark Fisher in 2015. He used it to refer to the "bland, mildly coercive signs that abound in late-stage capitalist society, which foster a vague sense of isolation or unease."

He started a Facebook group that documented these signs as a way to develop consciousness about the world around us. "It was understood from the start to be a consciousness-raising exercise, encouraging people to perceive the actual state of Britain rather than the PR state," Fisher said in an interview with Vice. "Which is surprisingly hard, because there's this mixture of Silicon Valley ideology, PR and advertising which distracts us from our own aesthetic poverty, and the reality of what we have. Which is just all these crap robots…"

#2

This Is Caleb. Caleb Has A Degree In Zoology And Asks His Customers What Their Favorite Animal Is. He Gives Them Facts While Completing Their Orders!

This Is Caleb. Caleb Has A Degree In Zoology And Asks His Customers What Their Favorite Animal Is. He Gives Them Facts While Completing Their Orders!

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"Boring Dystopia was partly about the fact that no one can care about stuff any more," said Fisher. "It's not that they don't care, but in a city like London, or any intensely pressured urban metropolis—add to that the pressures of capitalist cyberspace and people just feel like they perpetually have no time."

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"Our resources for caring are depleted, and that has aesthetic consequences."

#4

Charity

Charity

JAFD74 Report

#5

Put The Blame Where It Belongs

Put The Blame Where It Belongs

RelevantSwimmer Report

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Kathie Leonetti
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Let's not forget the politicians and celebrities who fly all over who have huge SUVs .

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The Facebook group was short-lived, with Fisher quickly becoming disillusioned with Facebook itself. "For me the point at which the group started to go downhill was when it became like every other Facebook group. It was just recirculating 'content' and sending links, keeping people inside what I would call capitalist cyberspace instead of looking outside at their own environment. It felt like it was reinforcing the condition it was intended to displace," he explained.

"It didn't work at that scale, and you could feel that it wasn't the right place for it… It was just an experiment, and Facebook probably wasn't the right platform. I didn't want it to be diluted."

#6

A Child Can’t Stay On The Transplant List, Solely Because He’s Homeless

A Child Can’t Stay On The Transplant List, Solely Because He’s Homeless

livfenty Report

#7

Calling An Ambulance In USA

Calling An Ambulance In USA

thetrudz Report

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giovanna
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That is just RIDICULOUS. I really, honestly don't understand how come the American people are not crazy mad in the streets protesting about that. Like, protesting all the time.

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After Fisher's tragic death in 2017 at the age of 48, his work remains as his legacy and is as important and relevant as it's ever been. His 2009 book Capitalist Realism is a must-read for anyone wanting to understand the modern world, and his 'Boring Dystopia' group lives on mainly in the subreddit r/ABoringDystopia.

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What do you think? Are we truly living in a boring dystopia? Scroll down below to see the rest of the examples for yourself, and let us know what you think in the comments!

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#9

Need Books? Donate Plasma!

Need Books? Donate Plasma!

ContraMuffin Report

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Bill
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are supposed to sell plasma for beer at that age. This isn't right

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#10

I Had To Pay $39.35 To Hold My Baby After He Was Born

I Had To Pay $39.35 To Hold My Baby After He Was Born

halfthrottle Report

#11

Anything Different Would Simply Be Un-American

Anything Different Would Simply Be Un-American

Tacoking Report

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Beverly
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

There is one thing we can do: Get out and vote. Vote for the senators and representatives who aren't afraid to push for single-payer, universal health care. And if someone calls you a socialist, tell them to look at Japan, which a) is hardly socialist, b) has the world's longest life expectancy, and c) has a well-established universal health care system.

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#12

Health Care

Health Care

Lons Report

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Tamara Neimet
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't have to wait for it. Come to Ukraine, we are constantly crowdfunding some sick child's care.

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#13

Watch This Advert Or Choke To Death

Watch This Advert Or Choke To Death

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María Hermida
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you need to watch a video before trying to do something to help, it doesn't matter whether there are ads or not; the person will probably die anyway. That's the reason why everybody should learn some very basic first aid skills, like the Hemilich Maneuver, at school, instead of soooo much useless rubbish.

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#14

Only In America Would A Restaurant Display On The Wall That They Don’t Pay Their Staff Enough To Live On

Only In America Would A Restaurant Display On The Wall That They Don’t Pay Their Staff Enough To Live On

M7plusoneequalsm8 Report

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nanashi
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always wonder why they made it that it's the customer's job to make sure if the workers/servers are paid or not. does this system works?

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#15

Public Relations

Public Relations

JordanUhl Report

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Miklós Nagy
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And people working in the media industry earn way more than any manual laborer or most of the engineers, scientists, medical doctors...

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#17

"Today My Client Was Excited To Push The Elevator Buttons On The Way To Her First Deportation Hearing"

"Today My Client Was Excited To Push The Elevator Buttons On The Way To Her First Deportation Hearing"

LivingRaccoon Report

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Koalamonster
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My niece is 5. I cannot imagine her having to represent herself in any legal matters. I'm 30, and I can't imagine representing myself in any legal matters.

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#18

I Don't Like This Episode Of Black Mirror

I Don't Like This Episode Of Black Mirror

nokia621 Report

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Anne
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well.. we are too far in killing bees and the environment.. so.. we will need to do both at the same time. There is no planet B.

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#19

Capitalism In A Nutshell

Capitalism In A Nutshell

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Monica small
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As they say 'The rich get richer and the poor get poorer Definitely sucks!

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Leodavinci
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As much as some would like to believe and/or push this notion, this isn't capitalism. "Late stage" or any other kind. It's simply an overreaching State, led by the corrupt and incompetent, run amok. It's been going on since way before I was born.

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Jace
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Wall Street, the gambling of “public ownership”, is the absolute worst part of capitalism.

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Rod Ruger
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If millions of students simply refused to pay, it is likely that the government would bail out the lenders just like during the home mortgage crash. If only a few students did this, they would fail. That illustrates the power of working together.

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Melanin Mo
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

basically, because 1/3 of my income needs to go to student loan repayment

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Ian Bartels
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This one is ignorant because this isn't about capitalism so much as corrupt government. Capitalism should in fact be anti-government because it is government regulations that limit capitalism.

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Id row
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not for nothing, but when you voluntarily take out a loan for school, you need to pay it back. I worked two jobs while going to school to pay for it and was told my work ethic was what landed me my position in my company after I graduated. Stop being an entitled brat who wants everything handed to them and work for what you want. Companies don't want to hire people whose default mode is holding their hand out. You are not 'entitled' to go to an ivy league school to have the full college experience on the taxpayer's dime. If you want something, work for it.

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John Bourne
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

We shouldn't have to pay someone's student loan because they got a doctorate in medieval poetry and now can't find a job with a useless degree. That was their choice or is there no personal responsibility?

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the Gallaher's
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I paid my loans, why can't you pay yours? Stupid stupid stupid

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Salma Hernández
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Mexico: Neets: They need money. Just give some money to them: Good idea. Just give them some Students: Wee need founds to go to math olympics. Dont give money to them.

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J 3lack
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

wasn't the bailout closer to 4 trillion when all was said and done?

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Sue Clasen
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Both cry babies. please give them a pacifier, or close the door and leave them cry.

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Jon Payne
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Those on Wall Street should have been allowed to fail. -Capitalism Government backed loans allowed tuition the become inflated. It’s almost as if we shouldn’t trust the government. But hey, what’s the worst than can happen if they control healthcare? It’s working for the VA and Social Security yeah?! 🤣

idrow avatar
Id row
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sorry, no. You are not entitled to a fancy higher education just because. Your choice of getting a degree in liberal arts or philosophy will most definitely not entitle you to a six figure salary right out of school. How about going to a school you can afford and choosing a field that will all but guarantee you a successful career? I worked two jobs to pay for my college and didn't live on campus, which is another scam to fleece you. But kids feel they're entitled to the 'college experience' at the best colleges and want someone else to pay for it. No. That's not how it works and it's not how you build a good work ethic.

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Leo H
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Your the people that take out 100,000 dollars worth of loans with a gender studies degree...and now expect the gov to bail you out...it literally is socialism 101

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Falcon
Community Member
4 years ago

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OK, I have some issues with that one. Eventho it's stupid how much schools charge for education, you still can't compare the whole economy to student loans in my opinion.

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Full Name
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4 years ago

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As much as a defender of capitalism as I am, this really pisses me off. Nobody was held to account for that garbage. Thanks, Obama.

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Tacitus86
Community Member
4 years ago

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Maybe you should have selected a better field of study then instead of taking a useless one and bitching about not being able to pay the debt you signed for.

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Ben Steinberg
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Right -- we should ALL be engineers. I'm so SICK of this moronic comment. ONLY STUDY WHAT MAKES BIG MONEY...f**k being a teacher or social worker, let's all be doctors...you, know, cuz that will work, right? Doctors, lawyers, and engineers. Anyone who can't cut can clean our toilets, right? Maybe you should select something that might teach you a little empathy...

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Paul Dixon
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4 years ago

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Arguably you don't have to go to uni to get a job - you choose to and this results in you knowingly getting into debt. Wall Street essentially runs the whole American economy. So if that's in trouble then the whole of America is in trouble.

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Ruth Mayfly
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

America would be in a whole lot more trouble if no-one got a university education. No more doctors, engineers, no more scientific research. No more lawyers - it's easy to say that wouldn't be a problem, but what happens to keeping politician's powers to within constitutional bounds, or what happens to the criminal justice system?

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#20

Good Article. No Surprises. “It’s Not About Wanting A Pay Raise Or Extra Income, It’s Just About Wanting A Livable Wage”

Good Article. No Surprises. “It’s Not About Wanting A Pay Raise Or Extra Income, It’s Just About Wanting A Livable Wage”

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Daniel Morgan
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And yet Trump has the audacity to say how amazing the country is doing and how everyone is wealthier than ever. Prick.

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#21

Both Are In The Wrong But Look At How The Pictures Are Depicted

Both Are In The Wrong But Look At How The Pictures Are Depicted

Choreutic Report

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Wil Vanderheijden
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The blindfold of Lady Justice is eaten by the moths and she turns out to be a racist, conservative b!tch.

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#22

Not A Bad Plan

Not A Bad Plan

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Koalamonster
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I knew a girl who got Hep C from her ex-boyfriend. Her insurance would not pay to fix it unless she was very very ill. As far as I know she still has it. Had she gone to jail she would have been treated and it wouldn't be an issue anymore.

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#25

Teeth Are A Luxury Only Paying Customers Are Allowed

Teeth Are A Luxury Only Paying Customers Are Allowed

ItsDanSheehan Report

#26

Ambulances For 3k? Lets Just Call An Uber

Ambulances For 3k? Lets Just Call An Uber

deray Report

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Luis Milian
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

in the US, the cost for an ambulance to take you to the ER is as expensive as buying a new car.

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#29

This Is How Expensive It Is To Attempt Suicide In The US

This Is How Expensive It Is To Attempt Suicide In The US

alcumist Report

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Care
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4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Hope they're doing better now. Debt definitely doesn't help depression.

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#30

Open Office

Open Office

sweis Report

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Miklós Nagy
Community Member
4 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The 90s when people were angry about their well paid, stable jobs and about their peaceful life...

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