The Machine Stops (1909) is a science fiction short
story written by E.M. Forster.

It tells of a world where humans had come to depend on
a global network of devices called The Machine.

The Machine meets all of man's physical, emotional and
spiritual needs.

Over generations, men and women had become
progressively more interested in and involved with
The Machine; and less so with each other.

Almost everyone had come to live underground,
in single-person dwellings; there was no need to
leave one's room; and there was little desire to
do so.

In time, access to the surface of the earth was lost;
and few were concerned.

The Machine, after all, was there to nourish, protect
and delight.

In time, men lost the knowledge that they had created
The Machine, which had come to be worshiped as a
benevolent Deity.

At some point, there began a series disruptions in the
services provided by The Machine - it was beginning
to collapse.

Mankind, however, could not conceive that
The Machine was anything but omnipotent and eternal.

And even if it were understood that The Machine was
a device that required repair, the knowledge to do so
had long since been lost.

Eventually, The Machine stops - stops permanently;
and most of humanity perishes.

                         *      *      *      *

Does any of this sound familiar?