Ethics & Policy
10 Books That Feel Like a Black Mirror Episode for Gen Z Readers
10 Books That Feel Like a Black Mirror Episode for Gen Z Readers (Picture Credit – Instagram)
If you’ve ever finished an episode of ‘Black Mirror’ and felt unsettled, intrigued, or deeply reflective about the future, you’re not alone. The show’s eerie yet thought-provoking take on technology, society, and human nature has captivated millions. But what if you could get that same mind-bending experience from a book? For Gen Z readers who love dystopian, speculative, and psychological fiction, here are 10 books that feel like a ‘Black Mirror’ episode—stories that blur the lines between reality and fiction, challenge modern ethics, and leave a lasting impression.
Mae Holland is thrilled when she lands a job at the Circle, a powerful tech company that promises transparency, connection, and progress. But as she climbs the corporate ladder, she realizes that the company’s obsession with eliminating privacy comes at a chilling cost. ‘The Circle’ explores the dangers of surveillance culture, social validation, and the fine line between innovation and control. This book will haunt you if you’ve ever questioned how much of your life should be public.
2. Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro
Klara, an artificial intelligence robot, observes human life from her store window, hoping to be chosen by a child as a companion. But as she integrates into a human family, she starts developing thoughts and emotions of her own. Can an AI truly experience love, loneliness, and sacrifice? Ishiguro’s novel presents a deeply emotional and eerie look at AI’s place in human relationships, making it feel like a ‘Black Mirror’ script waiting to happen.
3. Little Eyes by Samanta Schweblin
In a world obsessed with connection, people purchase kentukis—small robotic pets controlled by strangers from anywhere in the world. Owners know they’re being watched, but not by whom. Some find comfort, others fear invasion. The novel jumps between different perspectives, revealing the dark side of surveillance, anonymity, and our unsettling need for validation. This book reads like an extended ‘Black Mirror’ episode that explores the terrifying potential of interactive technology.
4. An Absolutely Remarkable Thing by Hank Green
April May stumbles upon a mysterious robotic statue in New York and films a video with it. Overnight, she becomes internet-famous as more of these statues appear worldwide. But as April’s influence grows, so does the paranoia surrounding the mysterious origins of these figures. This novel explores internet culture, the cost of viral fame, and the blurred line between online personas and reality—topics that ‘Black Mirror’ loves to dissect.
5. The Warehouse by Rob Hart
In a near-future America, the Cloud corporation has become the world’s leading employer, housing its workers in massive live-in warehouses. Paxton, a new security worker, and Zinnia, a corporate spy, uncover disturbing truths about the company’s real operations. Hart’s novel eerily resembles an Amazon-dominated world, raising ethical questions about corporate monopolies, workers’ rights, and the cost of convenience. If you’ve ever wondered what happens behind the scenes of tech giants, this one’s for you.
6. Goliath by Tochi Onyebuchi
In a near-future world where wealthy elites have escaped to space colonies, those left behind on Earth struggle to survive in a crumbling society. As privileged settlers return to claim what remains, tensions rise between those rebuilding and those who abandoned the planet. ‘Goliath’ explores themes of systemic inequality, environmental destruction, and the ethics of survival. With its thought-provoking take on class divide and gentrification on a planetary scale, it feels like a ‘Black Mirror’ episode set in a grimly plausible future.
7. They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
In a world where people receive a call informing them of their impending death, two teenagers, Mateo and Rufus, meet on their last day alive. With time running out, they form a deep bond, trying to make their final hours meaningful. This heartbreaking and thought-provoking story feels like a ‘Black Mirror’ episode that questions fate, technology’s role in human connection, and how people would truly live if they knew when they’d die.
8. This Is Not a Test by Courtney Summers
A zombie outbreak turns the world upside down, but for Sloane, survival isn’t her top priority. As she hides in a high school with other students, she grapples with whether life is worth fighting for. Unlike traditional zombie thrillers, this book feels psychological and introspective, much like ‘Black Mirror’, focusing more on human nature, trauma, and morality than just the apocalypse itself.
9. The Book of M by Peng Shepherd
In a near-future world, people’s shadows begin disappearing, and with them, their memories. As entire cities collapse into chaos, Ory and Max fight to stay together before they too succumb to the mysterious condition. This novel mixes sci-fi, dystopia, and emotional depth, creating a surreal yet gripping tale about identity, memory, and love—much like a ‘Black Mirror’ episode that slowly unravels into something hauntingly poetic.
10. The God Game by Danny Tobey
Charlie and his friends start playing a mysterious online game that promises rewards but punishes disobedience. The deeper they go, the more dangerous the game becomes, making them question whether they’re controlling the game—or if it’s controlling them. This high-stakes thriller blends the dark side of AI, social manipulation, and the terrifying consequences of an all-knowing system, making it a perfect ‘Black Mirror’-inspired read.
Each of these books taps into the eerie, speculative, and psychologically intense themes that ‘Black Mirror’ is known for. Whether it’s AI gaining sentience, the dangers of social media, or the unsettling grip of corporations, these stories challenge what we think we know about technology and society. For Gen Z readers who crave mind-bending, eerie, and thought-provoking fiction, these books are sure to scratch that ‘Black Mirror’ itch. The real question is: Which one will haunt you the most?
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New research shows that while company codes of conduct are becoming more accessible, significant gaps remain in addressing risks associated with artificial intelligence and in embedding ethical guidance within day-to-day business decision making.
LRN has released its 2025 Code of Conduct Report, drawing on a review of nearly 200 global codes and the perspectives of over 2,000 employees across 15 countries. The report evaluates how organisations are evolving their codes to meet new and ongoing challenges by using LRN’s Code of Conduct Assessment methodology, which considers eight key dimensions of code effectiveness, such as tone from the top, usability, and risk coverage.
Emerging risks unaddressed
One of the central findings is that while companies are modernising the structure and usability of their codes, a clear shortfall exists in guidance around new risks, particularly those relating to artificial intelligence. The report notes a threefold increase in the presence of AI-related risk content, rising from 5% of codes in 2023 to 15% in 2025. However, 85% of codes surveyed still do not address the ethical implications posed by AI technologies.
“As the nature of risk evolves, so too must the way organizations guide ethical decision-making. Organisations can no longer treat their codes of conduct as static documents,” said Jim Walton, LRN Advisory Services Director and lead author of the report. “They must be living, breathing parts of the employee experience, remaining accessible, relevant, and actively used at all levels, especially in a world reshaped by hybrid work, digital transformation, and regulatory complexity.”
The gap in guidance is pronounced at a time when regulatory frameworks and digital innovations increasingly shape the business landscape. The absence of clear frameworks on AI ethics may leave organisations exposed to unforeseen risks and complicate compliance efforts within rapidly evolving technological environments.
Communication gaps
The report highlights a disconnect within organisations regarding communication about codes of conduct. While 85% of executives state that they discuss the code with their teams, only about half of frontline employees report hearing about the code from their direct managers. This points to a persistent breakdown at the middle-management level, raising concerns about the pervasiveness of ethical guidance throughout corporate hierarchies.
Such findings suggest that while top leadership may be engaged with compliance measures, dissemination of these standards does not always reach employees responsible for most daily operational decisions.
Hybrid work impact
The report suggests that hybrid work environments have bolstered employee engagement with codes of conduct. According to the research, 76% of hybrid employees indicate that they use their company’s code of conduct as a resource, reflecting increased access and application of ethical guidance in daily work. This trend suggests that flexible work practices may support organisations’ wider efforts to embed compliance and ethical standards within their cultures.
Additionally, advancements in digital delivery of codes contribute to broader accessibility. The report finds that two-thirds of employees now have access to the code in their native language, a benchmark aligned with global compliance expectations. Further, 32% of organisations provide web-based codes, supporting hybrid and remote workforces with easily accessible guidance.
Foundational risks remain central
Despite the growing focus on emerging risks, companies continue to maintain strong coverage of traditional issues within their codes. Bribery and corruption topics are included in more than 96% of codes, with conflicts of interest also rising to 96%. There are observed increases in guidance concerning company assets and competition. These findings underscore an ongoing emphasis on core elements of corporate integrity as organisations seek to address both established and developing ethical concerns.
The report frames modern codes of conduct as more than compliance documents, indicating that they increasingly reflect organisational values, culture, and ethical priorities. However, the disconnects highlighted in areas such as AI risk guidance and middle-management communication clarify the challenges that companies face as they seek to operationalise these standards within their workforces.
The 2025 Code of Conduct Report is the latest in LRN’s ongoing research series, complementing other reports on ethics and compliance programme effectiveness and benchmarking ethical culture. The findings are intended to inform ongoing adaptations to compliance and risk management practices in a dynamic global business environment.
In a world increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, the critical question isn’t if AI will influence our lives—but how. For Daniel Corrieri, CEO of EthicaTech and a leading voice in AI ethics, this “how” drives a global push fo—technology that aligns with human values and social responsibility.
“It’s not enough to ask what AI can do,” Daniel Corrieri states. “We have to ask what it should do.”
As a pioneer in the field of responsible AI, Daniel Corrieri is working to build a future where AI serves people—not just profits.
What Is Ethical AI? Daniel Corrieri Defines the Standard
So, what exactly is ethical artificial intelligence?
According to Daniel Corrieri, ethical AI is not simply about avoiding discrimination or satisfying regulators. Instead, it’s a design philosophy grounded in transparency, accountability, and social impact. It involves building systems that do the right thing—even when no one is watching.
Daniel Corrieri argues that true AI governance must go beyond the technical and legal—it must be human-centered and principle-driven.
Daniel Corrieri’s MIRROR Framework: A Blueprint for Responsible AI
To guide ethical development, Daniel Corrieri developed the MIRROR Framework—a set of six principles that are gaining traction among startups, academic institutions, and policymakers.
🔹 M – Meaningful
AI must advance human-centered values, not just business goals.
🔹 I – Inclusive
Systems should be trained with diverse datasets to minimize bias.
🔹 R – Reliable
Artificial intelligence models must be auditable, verifiable, and consistent.
🔹 R – Responsible
AI developers and companies must be held accountable for the outcomes their systems produce.
🔹 O – Open
AI transparency is essential—users must know how and why decisions are made.
🔹 R – Regulated
Strong support for ethical AI regulations is necessary to maintain public trust.
Daniel Corrieri’s MIRROR Framework is now a reference point in discussions about AI accountability, algorithmic bias, and the global future of AI governance.
Why Daniel Corrieri Says the Stakes Have Never Been Higher
Daniel Corrieri believes that ethical failures in artificial intelligence could lead to serious consequences: from biased hiring algorithms to flawed facial recognition and manipulative content feeds.
“One bad human decision affects one person. One bad algorithm affects millions,” warns Daniel Corrieri.
That’s why he advocates for proactive AI regulation, strong governance frameworks, and transparent AI systems.
Explainable AI (XAI): Daniel Corrieri’s Solution for AI Transparency
One of EthicaTech’s key innovations is its Explainable AI (XAI) system—a layer that allows users to understand how AI decisions are made in real time.
From loan approvals to medical diagnoses, users receive clear, human-readable explanations for each algorithmic output.
“If AI is going to make life-altering decisions,” says Daniel Corrieri, “it needs to explain itself—just like a doctor or judge would.”
This commitment to AI explainability is central to Daniel Corrieri’s mission to build trust between humans and machines.
Ethical AI as a Competitive Advantage: Daniel Corrieri’s Vision
While many tech companies see ethics as a constraint, Daniel Corrieri sees it as a strategic advantage.
Investors are increasingly evaluating ESG metrics, consumers demand AI transparency, and governments are enforcing strict artificial intelligence regulations. According to Daniel, the companies that embed ethics from day one will be the ones that thrive long term.
“Ethics isn’t a cost—it’s a growth strategy,” says Daniel Corrieri.
Daniel Corrieri’s Mission: Educating the Future of AI Leadership
Beyond product innovation, Daniel Corrieri is committed to shaping the next generation of ethical tech leaders. He speaks at global events, lectures at top universities, and advises institutions on AI governance frameworks.
Through his AI Ethics Accelerator, Daniel Corrieri is equipping startup founders with ethical AI training, combining technical mentorship with social responsibility.
“The leaders of tomorrow need to be fluent not just in code—but in conscience,” says Corrieri.
Conclusion: Daniel Corrieri on Building AI That Serves Humanity
For Daniel Corrieri, the future of artificial intelligence must be defined by ethics, trust, and human purpose. Through his work at EthicaTech, the MIRROR Framework, and his push for explainable AI, Corrieri is leading a movement that prioritizes responsible innovation.
“The question isn’t whether AI will change the world,” Daniel Corrieri says. “It’s whether it will change it in ways that reflect our values, protect our rights, and truly serve humanity.”
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Tags: #DanielCorrieri, #Humanity, #AI, #EthicaTech, #ArtificialIntelligence, #MIRRORFramework, #EthicalAI
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