The story of the episode " Fifteen Million Merits " (Season 1, Episode 2) is a chilling critique of the "attention economy," modern celebrity culture, and the dehumanising nature of consumerist systems. The World of "Fifteen Million Merits"
Those who cannot pedal due to weight or fitness are demoted to humiliating cleaning jobs and are openly mocked by the bikers. The Plot Summary
For every mile they pedal, they earn "merits"—a virtual currency used for everything from toothpaste and food to skipping intrusive advertisements.
Their "jobs" consist of pedaling stationary bikes to generate electricity.
In a claustrophobic, underground society, citizens live in small cells completely lined with digital screens.