Plot
What is the Feed installed into?
The Feed is implanted directly into people's brains, allowing constant access to the network and consumer data.
Why does Violet’s Feed begin to fail, and what are the consequences?
Violet's Feed starts to malfunction because it was installed later in life and due to her attempts to confuse the Feed's algorithms. The corporations refuse to repair it, leading to her gradual deterioration and death.
Who says, “The thing I hate about the Feed is that it’s everywhere”?
Violet
What does the novel suggest about the dangers of technology?
Feed suggests that unchecked technology can lead to loss of individual thought, over-reliance on corporations, and a shallow, consumer-driven society.
In Feed, people rely on the Feed for everything—from entertainment to shopping to communication. How do modern technologies like smartphones and social media compare to the Feed? Are there any similarities in how people use and depend on them?
Modern technologies like smartphones and social media are similar to the Feed in that they provide instant access to information, entertainment, and communication. Like the Feed, these technologies influence our behaviour, preferences, and even our identities. People today often rely on their devices for daily tasks, much like the characters in Feed, and there are concerns about over-dependence on technology and the impact it has on our attention spans and critical thinking skills.
What happens when Titus and his friends get hacked at the nightclub on the moon?
The hack causes their Feeds to malfunction, leaving them temporarily unable to access the network or communicate effectively. They feel confused and vulnerable without a constant stream of information.
Who are Titus’ parents, and how do they react to the events in the novel?
Titus’ parents are passive and largely unconcerned about the Feed's influence. His father is particularly focused on maintaining a consumer lifestyle.
What does Titus mean when he says, “It felt like I was the only one who didn’t know how to dance”?
This quote reflects Titus’ growing sense of alienation and his awareness that something is wrong with the world around him, even if he can’t fully understand or articulate it.
How is the theme of environmental decay presented in Feed?
The novel hints at environmental destruction through subtle descriptions of a damaged Earth, where nature is dirty, polluted, and often ignored by society in favor of artificial environments.
The novel critiques how corporations manipulate people’s desires and behaviours. How do you think companies today use advertising and data collection to shape consumer habits?
Companies today use sophisticated algorithms and data collection to target consumers with personalized ads, much like how the Feed tracks and influences characters in the novel. Social media platforms and online shopping websites collect data about users' browsing habits, preferences, and purchases to tailor advertisements and suggest products. This raises ethical questions about privacy, manipulation, and whether consumers are aware of how much their choices are being influenced by corporations.
How does Titus react to Violet’s condition as her Feed starts to fail?
Titus becomes increasingly distant and struggles to deal with the emotional weight of Violet’s failing health, ultimately withdrawing from her.
Why does Violet’s father oppose the Feed, and how does this affect his relationship with her?
Violet’s father is against the Feed because he sees it as a tool of oppression and manipulation. This influences Violet’s skepticism of the system, though their relationship becomes strained as her condition worsens.
Who says, “We are taught not to care”?
Explain what this line reflects
Violet. This line reflects her frustration with how people are conditioned to be apathetic by the Feed and society.
How does Anderson critique the role of corporations in society through Feed?
Anderson critiques the power of corporations by showing how they manipulate desires, control information, and value profits over human life, as seen with Violet’s rejection for medical help.
Violet tries to resist the Feed by making random purchases to confuse the system. Do you think it’s possible to “resist” modern technology or consumer culture today? How might someone do that, and what challenges would they face?
It is possible to resist modern technology and consumer culture, but it is challenging. People might resist by limiting their use of social media, avoiding targeted advertising, or making conscious efforts to buy less and be more mindful of their consumption. However, resisting can be difficult because society is deeply integrated with technology and consumerism, and opting out may lead to feeling disconnected or left behind socially and professionally, much like Violet’s struggle in the novel.
How is environmental decay presented in Feed, and what does this suggest about society’s priorities?
Environmental decay is subtly referenced throughout the novel, with Earth being polluted and damaged, yet ignored by the population in favour of artificial, commercialised environments. This suggests that society prioritises consumption and entertainment over the well-being of the planet.
Who is Smell Factor, and what role does he play in the story?
Smell Factor is Titus’ younger brother. He represents the younger generation that has grown up completely immersed in the Feed and consumer culture.
What does the quote “It’s like a squid in love with the sky” represent in Feed?
This quote reflects Titus’ inability to fully grasp Violet’s complex feelings or the broader consequences of the Feed. It's a metaphor for something impossible or illogical, highlighting his confusion.
What does the novel say about conformity and individuality?
The novel portrays a society where conformity is encouraged through the Feed’s constant advertisements and consumer culture. Individuality, as seen with Violet, is difficult and ultimately punished.
In Feed, Titus initially has trouble understanding Violet’s desire to resist the Feed. Do you think people today find it difficult to understand those who are critical of technology or consumerism? Why or why not?
Yes, many people today may find it difficult to understand those who are critical of technology or consumerism, especially when society is so intertwined with these elements. Because most people see technology as a necessary part of daily life, they may not see the potential downsides or the importance of pushing back against constant consumption. Additionally, being critical of these systems may seem countercultural or impractical, much like how Violet’s views alienate her from others in the novel.
What is the overall message that M.T. Anderson is trying to convey through Feed?
Anderson’s message is a warning about the dangers of unchecked technology, consumerism, and corporate control. The novel critiques how reliance on technology can erode individuality, critical thinking, and human connection, leading to a shallow and dystopian society.
How does Calista, one of Titus’ friends, embody the superficiality of their society?
Calista is obsessed with trends and appearance, often using the Feed to stay updated on the latest fashion and gossip. She represents the lack of depth and critical thinking in their society.
What is the significance of the quote “They keep making everything more basic, so it’s harder to explain anything” in the context of the novel?
This quote criticises the dumbing down of society through the Feed, where language, thought, and communication are simplified to the point where deeper meaning and critical thinking become almost impossible.
How does Feed reflect concerns about modern-day surveillance and data privacy?
The novel mirrors concerns about surveillance by showing how the Feed constantly tracks individuals' data and preferences, predicting their behavior and influencing their choices without their full awareness.
At the end of Feed, Titus is left with conflicting feelings about the world and his role in it. How might readers of today relate to these feelings in a world that is increasingly driven by technology and consumerism?
Readers today can relate to Titus' conflicting feelings, as many people experience a similar tension between enjoying the conveniences of modern technology and feeling uneasy about its influence on their lives. There is a growing awareness of the negative effects of over-consumption, environmental degradation, and data privacy concerns, which creates a sense of guilt or discomfort about participating in a system that may be harmful. Titus’ struggle to fully reject the Feed reflects the difficulty of navigating a tech-driven world while trying to hold on to individuality and critical thinking.