The sense of hopelessness is a big part of new dystopian fiction. The characters usually find themselves in a world that seems impossible to change. There are also often themes related to the loss of humanity. In these fictional worlds, people may be more like machines, following orders without question, and basic human values like compassion and love are often forgotten or suppressed.
New dystopian fiction often features totalitarian governments. It shows a world where individual freedoms are severely restricted. For example, in some works, there are strict surveillance systems that monitor every citizen's move. Also, environmental disasters are a common theme, like in stories where the earth has become uninhabitable due to pollution or climate change.
One key characteristic is the exploration of social inequality. In new dystopian fiction, there's usually a clear divide between the rich and the poor, with the rich having all the power and resources while the poor struggle to survive. Another aspect is the use of technology as a tool for control. Advanced technologies such as mind - control devices or genetic engineering are often misused by those in power.