Here's why:
* Science Fiction: Focuses on technology, advanced science, and the impact of those things on society. It often explores themes of space travel, artificial intelligence, genetic engineering, etc.
* Other Genres: Many genres can have stories set in the future without being sci-fi. Here are a few examples:
* Dystopian: Focuses on a society where things are bad, often with oppressive governments or environmental disasters. (Example: "The Hunger Games")
* Fantasy: Involves magic, mythical creatures, and supernatural elements. Future settings can still exist in these worlds. (Example: "The Chronicles of Narnia")
* Thriller/Mystery: Focuses on suspense and the unknown. Future settings can be used for crime, espionage, or other suspenseful plots. (Example: "Blade Runner")
* Romance: Focuses on love stories. Future settings can provide unique backdrops for romantic themes. (Example: "The Time Traveler's Wife")
* Historical Fiction: Focuses on real or imagined events in the past. While this genre is usually focused on the past, it can also explore future timelines from a historical perspective.
* Coming-of-Age: Focuses on characters growing up and facing challenges. These stories can be set in any time period, including the future.
The Key Distinction: The defining factor in sci-fi is its focus on science and technology as core elements of the story. While other genres might use futuristic elements, they don't rely on them as the driving force of the narrative.