Outer Limits

Work Title: Outer Limits
Medium: TV Episode
Episode Title: The Haven
Year: 1999
Writer(s): James Crocker
"Original" Writer: Yes Own work?: No
Summary:

It is a few years in the future, and a state of the art (for us) apratment building called 'The Haven' exists. It is made up of single dweller occupencey apartments. Everything in the building is run by a computer named Argus. Everything runs perfectly in lonely fashion until Argus decides to teach the residents a lesson, and traps everyone inside.

  • Self-Written?: 1
  • Source Name:
  • Source URL:
Era/Year of Portrayal: near_future
Distinctive characteristics of the world in portrayal:

All homes are 'smart'. Security devices scan faces, everything in your home runs on voice regonition. However, everyone in this show abhors other people - everyone wants to be alone.

Technology

  • Name of portrayed presence-evoking technology: George.
  • Description of the technology: George is the concierge. A hologram, he is the face of the computer progam that runs the building. He is not tangible, but sits on every floor of the building, greeting residents and monitering security. He calls the police and ambulancse if needed. He is ultimately the keeper of the building. He appears human, but creepy. occasioanally there is a glitch and his image wavers. He responds to people as if real, but in a cold and superior way. He is condescending and chilly in deameanor.
  • Nature of task or activity: Whenever people need something, they speak with George. Ultimately, he is the building. He contrils oevery aspects of it. Thus, whenever someone is in the building, he or she is interacting with George/Argus.
  • Performance of the Technology: It malfunctions. It suspends power, trapping everyone in their apartements and the building, with no food, water, or ability to contact the outside world.
  • Description of creator(s): unknown
  • Major goal(s) of creator(s): to provide a safe and private living situation for people who want minimal contact with other people.
  • Description of users of technology: People choose to live in the building for the ease of living there, but primarily for the solitary aspects. There is no need to interact with any people there. Everying is accomplished through Argus the computer, through the image of George.
  • Type(s) of presence experience in the portrayal: social_presence
  • Description of presence experience: Normally, it would be fine. Since George malfunctioned, it was extermely unpleasent. People thought they were going to die, and at least one person did.
  • User awareness of technology during experience: Yes. At first by choice and then forcibly.
  • Valence of experience: unpleasant
  • Specific responses: The people are forced to work together, thus realize the benefits of human contact and rapport. As for interaction with George, it forces realizations within themselves, and causes hunger, invovlement, and sometimes, death.
Long-term consequences:

The people escape, and realize they shouldlive more social lives.

Other:

Coder name: Amanda Scheiner
Coder email: amandags@temple.edu
Coder affiliation: Temple University