Photo by Jeremy Perkins

The Alien Stranger, a science fiction story by Bob Ticer, is only one of many innovative offerings that the new horizons of science fiction are delivering.

Science fiction has always been a genre that reflects the present times. It shows us our anxieties and aspirations through fantastical and often twisted narratives. As we grapple with a rapidly changing world today, current science fiction is flourishing. The new horizons cover climate change, technological singularities, and the ever-blurring line between humans and machines.

New Horizons in Science Fiction

Climate Fiction

Climate change is becoming the defining issue of the century. Thus, it is unsurprising that it has become a central theme in many sci-fi works. Climate fiction shows the potential consequences of environmental degradation, ranging from dystopian wastelands to desperate struggles for survival.

• Twists on the subgenre involve taking a hopeful approach, showcasing wide cooperation in the face of climate catastrophe. 
• Some works present a chilling vision of an ecosystem transformed by strange or alien forces. This prompts questions about humanity’s role in shaping its environment.
• There are also works that offer a glimpse into a future. Often this is where humanity has colonized other planets as the solution to the ecological woes here on Earth.

The Rise of AI.

The current pace of developments in artificial intelligence (AI) have resulted in stories about the emergence of a “technological singularity.” This hypothetical event refers to a point where AI surpasses human intelligence. This often leads to unforeseen consequences. These narratives primarily highlight the need for responsible AI development and the importance of maintaining human control.

• Most current sci-fi grapples with these possibilities in thought-provoking narratives that explore the ethical implications of advanced AI. 
• At the same time, some stories depict a future where AI oversees vast swathes of the human race, showcasing the extremes of what AI can do for society.
• Not all portrayals of AI are rosy. Plenty of them feature a thrilling race against time as humanity faces the consequences of an unstable AI program. 

Humanity and Machine

Where humanity ends and machines begin has become a very important question. Advances in prosthetics, brain-computer interfaces, and genetic engineering raise profound questions about what it means to be human.

Science fiction offers fertile ground for exploring these themes. 

• There are some novels that raise questions about sentience, empathy, and the nature of human connection. Some through AI becoming aware or through the ethics of cloning or lab-engineered creatures.
• Contemporary science fiction also has offerings that examine the consequences of power, the cost of progress, and the potential for humans to transcend their physical limitations.

Other Trends from Jan-April

• Subgenres like cyberpunk, which explores the impact of technology on society, and space opera, which features large-scale adventures in space, continue to be popular, with new works pushing the boundaries of the established forms. 
• Online platforms like self-publishing and web serials offer new avenues for science fiction authors, leading to a wider variety of voices and stories.
• The popularity of science fiction extends beyond literature, with stunning visuals and immersive storytelling driving the genre’s success on the big and small screens.

The new horizons of science fiction are a vibrant and ever-evolving genre that tackles some of the most pressing issues of our time. 

From the urgency of climate change to the ethical considerations of AI, science fiction serves as a platform for exploration, reflection, and even hope. As we look toward the future, this genre remains essential for navigating the uncertainties ahead, inspiring us to dream of a better tomorrow that is bereft of the ills of today.

The Alien Stranger is a science fiction story by Bob Ticer that takes on the current trends of the new horizons of the genre.