The documentary 'Orwell: 2+2=5' offers a keen exploration of George Orwell's insights into surveillance and control, drawing parallels between his dystopian vision and contemporary society. The author recounts their unsettling experience in a hospital waiting room, observing a diverse group of people—young and old—who are all engrossed in their smartphones, seemingly disconnected from one another despite being in close proximity. This chilling moment provokes a deeper reflection on how technology has shaped human interaction and the pervasive nature of surveillance.

The writer likens the modern dependence on technology to Orwell's concept of 'Big Brother,' suggesting that the current technological landscape exemplifies a new form of control where individuals are monitored by their devices and the platforms they engage with. The critique emphasizes how these technology companies, akin to the oppressive regimes depicted in Orwell's work, manipulate reality and influence personal truths, leaving individuals vulnerable to a manufactured existence.

Through this documentary and personal account, the narrative questions the implications of living under constant observation and the gradual erosion of privacy in a digital age. It urges viewers to consider the consequences of this technological acquiescence and the potential future that awaits if society continues on this path, echoing Orwell's cautionary tales of conformity and control.