How Has STEM Influenced the Development of Sci-fi?

Science fiction is one of the most exciting media genres. From spaceships and lasers to tractor beams and teleportation, Sci-Fi has always been a look at what future technology might look like. This raises the question: Given STEM’s evolution over time, how has it influenced the development of Sci-Fi? 

You may be surprised to learn that it’s usually the other way around! Sci-fi has had a significant influence on today’s technology. Many skilled STEM professionals have seen new, exciting technologies in science fiction and asked, “Could I make that real?” This has led to the invention of so many incredible things.

Star Trek Communicators

In Star Trek, characters used small, portable devices called communicators that could be folded open or closed to communicate. That’s quite a creative name. Such technology was unheard of in the 1960s when Star Trek first aired. Today, advances in technology have led us to the communicators we now call “cell phones.” 

Video Chatting from Cartoons

In The Jetsons, the characters communicated via video chat, which was still decades away from becoming a reality. 

More from Sci-Fi Come to Life

Many more technologies from fiction are coming to life every day, including some things that seem impossible. Nowadays, we have technologies such as bulletproof fabric and 3D-printed organs, which have existed in science fiction for decades.

Be a Sci-Fi Fan in STEM!

Science fiction is increasingly indistinguishable from science nonfiction. The people who make science fiction worlds are not constrained by budgets, technologies, or even physics. This allows them to think outside the box and develop innovative ideas that inspire real-world inventions. There’s no doubt that STEM and science fiction have greatly influenced each other for the better.

Create the Future

Next time you see something in a movie that you wish existed, ask how it can become real. Next time you see some tech in the real world that you’ve never seen in a piece of science fiction, start writing your own story! The world will continue to be shaped by creative dreamers like you, so go out there and find that next big discovery!