Background
The novel portrays a future in which humans use the "feednet": a computer network (apparently an advanced form of the Internet) to which the brains of American citizens are directly connected by means of an implanted device called a "feed." About 73% of Americans have a feed set into their brain, usually at birth to minimize complications. Privacy has become non-existent as corporations are now free to monitor and often sway the decision-making thoughts of citizens. Feeds frequently interrupt normal thought processes, directing the user's attention to messaged advertising. The corporations and conglomerates responsible for the feed participate in data mining by monitoring the purchases and interests of those with the feed, using this information to fit individuals into consumer profiles based on users' preference patterns. The corporations determine human value by analyzing the consistencies (or lack thereof) in their consumer habits.
Those connected to the feednet can "m-chat" one another (a form of evolved, non-written instant messaging) on closed channels, effectively creating a form of telepathy. In addition, the feed chip is implanted at such an early age that it actually takes over the running of many brain functions as the child matures, becoming intertwined with its user's biology. As a result, certain sites on the feednet have psychological effects on users, causing them to go "in mal," meaning they can deliberately cause their feed chips to malfunction, causing physical and mental sensations similar to the pleasurable or thrilling effects of some intoxicating drugs.
The natural environment is also significantly damaged. Atmospheric conditions no longer allow the natural formation of clouds, instead there are trademarked "Clouds™" implying artificial replications. Most bodies of water are toxic and polluted. The oceans are so acidic that whales are sheathed in plastic coverings. Sexual reproduction is no longer possible. As a result, all women undergo in-vitro fertilization and have their children custom tailored to their liking.
The corporations responsible for the Feed have an immense power in this future America. They run the school system, which is now known as School™. Throughout the book, they appear to hold the true power in America, leaving the president virtually helpless as the Global Alliance, a coalition of other countries, threatens to go to war with them.
Read more about this topic: Feed (Anderson Novel)
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