A Problem of Navigation: How Modern Films Depict Tracking Technologies

Technologies invade any sphere of life, and the motion picture industry is no exception. With the emergence of various tools, free phone number tracker software, and advanced devices, films were the first to depict them in their full bloom and respond to these changes promptly.


For the majority of people, tracking seems like the most ubiquitous and almighty power supported by a peculiar system to monitor each step and every breath. Some films portray the worries and fears of ordinary people who cannot but are concerned about the future of autonomous (=untraceable) living. So, is it truly fatal, and how do they understand location tracking in the movie industry? 

A person sits on a couch in a dimly lit room, watching TV, with the soft glow from the screen illuminating the cozy space and casting shadows on the walls.

What Do We Generally Mean by Tracking Technologies?

In broad terms, tracking technologies refer to tools and systems that are employed to monitor the movement, location, and activities. Nowadays, most are interested in monitoring other people for various purposes, be they of security aspirations, business strategies, or surveillance interests. These technologies, in fact, have evolved significantly, and they might be divided into several groups which include:


  • GPS technologies;

  • RFID (i.e., Radio Frequency Identification); 

  • Cellular Triangulation; 

  • Internet-Based Tracking (via apps); 

  • Facial Recognition, AI, etc. 


With the use of tracking technologies, one was supposed to enhance efficiency, security, and convenience, which has resulted in advanced location-tracking applications for parent control, driving monitoring, and the like. Nevertheless, this inevitably raised various ethical and privacy concerns that cannot but haunt users each day. Hence, modern films demonstrate different scenarios of how tracking technologies may be both beneficial and intrusive, convenient and devastating. 

Modern Films That Are Built on the Ideas of Location Tracking 


Films do react to social and technological changes and show a possible yet frightening future when one may track whoever they want and take total control over their lives for good. While some movies tend to be pragmatic and lifelike, others employ fantastical elements and portray an unusual reality instead. Here is the list of the most popular works that focus on tracking technologies that shape our future and change our past, too. 

Minority Report


In the dark reality of the Minority Report film, the government exploits advanced technologies to foresee and halt crimes long before they may actually happen. The use of such ubiquitous tracking and surveillance tools, which keep track of citizens' location and their actions, is what comprises the core of the system. 


The movie exquisitely explores the ethical implications of extensive surveillance and raises concerns about how to find a balance between privacy and security.

Elysium


The film presents the wealthy elites living on an opulent space station and the impoverished people remaining on a collapsing Earth. There, location monitoring is the tool for the aristocracy to monitor movements and further implement strict border controls. 


The movie emphasizes how surveillance technologies aggravate social inequality as they limit access to resources and security based on one's location only. Indeed, there is loud criticism of how technology can be utilized to restrict the mobility of the underprivileged and maintain the status quo of powers that be.

Furious 7


The plot of Furious 7 focuses on the "God's Eye" gadget, a real weapon that can breach any digital system and track people in real time anywhere in the world. The film shows this technology as a serious danger to privacy as well as an extremely desirable tool to take control over. As such, the movie explores issues of autonomy and control, for it vividly shows how these types of tracking devices can be used for both coercion and safety.

Taken


The story of Taken revolves around the private use of tracking technology, as Liam Neeson's character employs technology and his abilities to locate his daughter who has been kidnapped before. The movie shows how helpful smartphone tracking, GPS, and other tools may be when one strives to find and save their loved ones. Unlike other movie creations, Taken discusses the positive features of modern technologies, e.g., personal security and quick response.

A dark room filled with multiple TV screens, all seemingly focused on the viewer, casting an eerie glow and creating an unsettling atmosphere of surveillance.

Ethical Considerations


As we might conclude, people are generally afraid of what the future brings, i.e., technological dominance and overall tracking supremacy. Modern films do delve into the intricacies of human psychology and the way we perceive tracking advancements, which is to raise ethical considerations and explore what is yet to come. 


First of all, as films portray, persistent surveillance may violate people's right to privacy and foster a culture in which people feel as if they are under constant observation and control. Power disparities and possible abuse of tracking can result in stress, harassment, social instability, and unhealthy behavior. 


Besides, there may be instances in which people are unaware of the fact that they are being tracked, which raises questions about the absence of explicit agreement and personal autonomy. Moreover, tracking the data that contains sensitive information (which is a casual thing to happen) may be hacked, exploited, and used to widen societal differences in the end.


The film industry is a great example of how art may reflect the mindset of society, common opinions, and general aspirations. Tracking technologies, that have developed into amusing yet terrifying control systems, enter the world of cinematography and pose some risks to the future existence. Yet, no one — not even the filmmakers — can predict where this will lead in the end.