One hive, no mind: examining “Pluribus”

Madison Corey

Anchor Contributor

In a culture increasingly shaped by algorithms that tell us what to watch, what to buy and even sometimes what to think, individuality and autonomy seem to be at risk of extinction … or at the very least, threatened. We live during a time of “personalization” — curated playlists, algorithmic timelines and “For You” pages that somehow know us better than we know ourselves — individuality can begin to feel like a rarity. But what happens when singularity ceases to exist? When harmony replaces disagreement?

These questions sit at the center of “Pluribus,” Apple TV’s latest science-fiction drama from Vince Gilligan. In a mysterious event known as “the Joining,” almost all of humanity is transformed into a peaceful hive mind, affectionately named “the Others” by the unaffected protagonist Carol Sturka, and known as “the Joined” to those assimilated. There is no oppression, no visible violence, no dystopian rubble — only peace. The world continues, but without conflict. Almost everyone is happier than before. Almost. 

Novelist Carol Sturka is one of the few people immune to the Joining. The rest of the world exists in collective unity while she remains stubbornly singular — frustrated, alienated, and unwilling to accept “the Others.” Her resistance drives the narrative. Her refusal to accept this “oneness” makes audiences consider the importance of individuality. “The Joined” are kind, cooperative and peaceful. They have eliminated inequality and injustice, yet something feels off. In this new way of existence, free-thinking is completely eliminated. One represents all, and “the Joined” describes this existence as a sort of freedom. 

Carol’s autonomy is threatened by pressure from “the Joined” to conform. In an era increasingly shaped by invisible systems that smooth out our experiences — recommending what to watch, who to follow and what to believe — the show’s hive mind feels less like science fiction and more like a hyperbolic representation of our current lived reality. “The Joined” community functions as some sort of perfect algorithm, no unpredictability, no disagreements, just complete unity. Carol constantly questions that way of existence, stressing the importance of self-identity. If the world did not have free-thinking individuals, what would it look like?

The title itself derives from the Latin phrase “e pluribus unum,” meaning “out of many, one.” Out of many, what? A consciousness? 

In the age of AI, our individuality and uniqueness are threatened by algorithmic systems. AI is presented to us as “helpful” and as a means to an easier, simpler way of existing. “Pluribus” forces us to face the discomfort of being different for the sake of maintaining the autonomy of our free-thinking minds. What would you do if discomfort is the price of remaining human?