How does the novel characterize social advancement versus social regression? How do the rebellious colonies revert to less advanced methods of living, and how does this shift affect their overall happiness and quality of life?

The novel explores the effects of AI-generated artwork, which is also a prevalent debate in modern society. How does the author’s portrayal relate to the current concerns of artists who feel threatened by the increasing popularity of AI technologies? Does Weyn’s 2004 novel accurately predict current issues, or are there key differences? Use specific examples from the text to support your point.

What does the novel imply about the insidious nature of fascism? What warning signs does Kayla’s society show in the years leading up to Global-1’s takeover and the implementation of the bar code tattoo?