The Role of Science Fiction Drama in Shaping Egyptian Audience Perceptions &Attitudes towards Posthuman & Transhuman Societies

Science fiction drama can promote many fringe, scientifically proven, or yet unproven theories. It also serves as a bridge between science and the reality of everyday life. This study examined the role of science fiction drama in shaping Egyptian audience's attitudes and perceptions towards posthuman and transhuman societies and the extent to which viewers of this genre could accept or reject characteristics and principles of posthuman societies. It also measured the impact of this drama on audience's perceptions of realism, truthfulness and validity of Sci Fi drama plots in portraying science and scientists, as well as on audience’s anticipation towards future.
The study relied on a survey method using a questionnaire applied on a purposive sample of 488 viewers of science fiction drama. The results showed that there is no correlation between the intensity of exposure to science fiction drama and participants’ attitudes towards posthuman or transhuman societies. The study also revealed that there are no significant differences in terms of gender, educational level, or age in attitudes toward posthuman or transhuman societies.
However, the results indicated significant difference among the respondents based on age in their acceptance of transhuman and posthuman societies. There was a difference between older and younger viewers, as the younger age group (18–25) was the most supportive of posthuman & transhuman societies and differing significantly from older age groups. There were significant correlations between respondents' perceptions of realism, truthfulness and validity of Sci Fi plots that portray science and scientists and their attitudes toward transhuman and posthuman societies. This means that the more the respondents were convinced of resemblance between science fiction drama & social reality of science & scientists, the more they were inclined to accept the characteristics of transhumanism and the concepts of posthumanism. More than half of the sample had neutral attitudes toward transhuman and posthuman societies. The results also showed 47.6% responded that Science fiction drama did not affect their anticipation of future in any way. On the other hand, Science Fiction drama made 26.8% more optimistic and positive about the future, while 25.6% felt more pessimistic and had a negative outlook regarding the future.
Most of participants also demanded increasing Egyptian production of Science Fiction drama because they saw it can support scientific research and discoveries, simplify complex scientific theories to the public, emphasize the importance of science for developing the future, increase appreciation for scientists, in addition to developing solutions for natural disasters, environmental issues and climate change. The participants assured the importance of this drama in discussing ethical considerations, psychological and societal effects related to technology.