Here are some of the science fiction elements that have become more relevant in the years since the story was written:
* Virtual Reality: The "Happylife Home" in "The Veldt" features a "nursery" that projects immersive, realistic experiences for the children. This is a very early example of what we now call virtual reality (VR). While the story's version is more simplistic, today's VR technology allows for increasingly immersive and realistic experiences, often used for entertainment, education, and even training.
* Artificial Intelligence: The "Happylife Home" is controlled by a sophisticated AI that anticipates the needs and desires of the family, even catering to their emotional states. While the story depicts a very basic form of AI, we now have much more advanced systems that can perform complex tasks, engage in conversations, and learn from their experiences.
* Domestic Automation: The "Happylife Home" is full of automated appliances and features, from the self-cleaning house to the food-preparing kitchen. This foreshadows our modern world of smart homes, where devices like smart assistants, automated lighting, and appliances controlled by apps are becoming increasingly common.
* Psychological Impact of Technology: The story highlights how technology can be used to manipulate and control people, particularly children, and how excessive reliance on technology can lead to isolation and apathy. This remains a relevant concern in our current era of constant connectivity and digital dependence.
While "The Veldt" doesn't predict specific technologies like smartphones or space travel, it captures the anxieties and possibilities of a future increasingly shaped by technology, making it a timeless piece of science fiction.