1. “Shells” and isolation “And in his ears the little shells, the thimble radios held tight, and an electronic ocean of sound and music and words and music and words coming in, coming to the shore of his mind asleep." (Bradbury 76) The seashell radio, a technological element in the novel. Guy Montag's wife, Mildred, uses him constantly and thus becomes a very antisocial person. It's very similar today to teenagers, among others, who use headphones to listen to their music and block out the rest of the world. I know this because I have used this tactic too. This shell radio represents the widespread development of technology in the novel. Headphones are just one result of the technology prevalent in our world today.2. Violence Throughout the novel, there is clearly excessive violence in the world. Teenagers kill each other, television is filled with violence, and even cars can spark a need for speed and destruction. Violence seems to be an outlet. This aspect, while perhaps already present in Bradbury's time, is also similar to our current times. Youth violence is present, television and movies are filled with violence and blood, and cars are often used for sporting purposes in addition to transportation. Overall, our own society can certainly appear violent.3. Technology and the dumbing down of societyIn the novel, technology, particularly enormous television screens, is responsible for replacing literature, intellectualism, and curiosity. People spend so much time watching shows that are considered unproductive. The characters in the novel became less likely to seek knowledge and discover new abilities. This happens frequently today. Many people are absorbed by technology and media. They have become less likely to...... middle of paper...... the culture does not support free thought or expression, as demonstrated by the banning of books and mindless entertainment. In the novel, people who express their individuality and question life are seen as a threat. Clarisse McClellan, who was one of these people, eventually disappeared. In the novel, those who go against conformity are in danger. Our society, although less radical, proceeds in the same way. Due to the spread of media, conformity is more prevalent than ever. Now, with just the press of a button, everyone knows what's popular around the world. We encouraged ourselves to conform to certain methods in order to be favored by the masses. Although we always express our individuality, we express it within a narrow spectrum that will not cause others to ridicule or question us. In our society, conformists are normal and those who express their individuality may be considered outcasts..