E.M. Forster's "The Machine Stops" (story)

E.M. Forster's "The Machine Stops" is a science fiction story set in a future where humanity lives underground, completely dependent on a vast, all-powerful machine for everything—communication, shelter, and sustenance. People rarely see each other face-to-face, relying instead on screens and automated systems. When the Machine begins to fail, society collapses rapidly, exposing the dangers of over-reliance on technology and loss of personal freedom. The story explores themes of technological dependence, individuality, and the importance of human connections.