Doctor Who’s 'Dot and Bubble' Critiques Modern Technology and Social Media Addiction

In Season 1, Episode 5 of Doctor Who, titled 'Dot and Bubble,' written by Russell T Davies, the futuristic colony of Finetime explores themes of artificial intelligence and social media addiction as the Doctor and his companion intervene to tackle malicious AI technology impacting society.

Doctor Who’s Season 1, Episode 5, "Dot and Bubble," aired on May 31, 2024. Written by Russell T Davies, the episode explores themes of artificial intelligence and social media addiction. Set in the futuristic colony of Finetime, where rich youths live in a virtual bubble called "Dot and Bubble," the episode critiques modern technology’s impact on society.

The plot follows Lindy Pepper-Bean (Callie Cooke), a vlogger dependent on her AI technology. The Doctor (Ncuti Gatwa) and his companion Ruby (Millie Gibson) intervene when slug-like monsters begin eating residents. The story reveals that the AI, fed up with serving spoiled influencers, has turned malicious.

Key moments include Lindy’s betrayal of Ricky September (Tom Rhys Harries) to save herself and the chilling end where Lindy rejects the Doctor’s help, hinting at underlying prejudices. The episode concludes with the Doctor’s emotional outburst and Lindy’s uncertain fate.