Kids! Is this a future world where being friends with someone means subscribing to them, and girls combing each other's hair would only be possible with paid tiers?
It's familiarly weird, somewhat dark, and definitely disturbing! And despite all that, it creates in me a sort of whimsical wondering, "What if?" and "Could it be?"! Because let's face it, we're halfway there, aren't we?
Masterfully crafted short story. The kind that made me wonder despite a lingering sense of discomfort because of the presence of juvenile characters. Was that your intention? If so, then you've succeeded (with me, at least)! If not, I hope you understand this is just my personal perception of this particular piece. It doesn't take anything away from the brilliance of your art. Thank you!
Thanks Alex, and yeah, absolutely. Kids absorb the culture they grow up in, don’t they, so it should be disturbing to see them so thoroughly embracing the “first make friends, then monetise them” culture that pervades social media today. As always, really appreciate you reading the story and your thoughtful comment.
I realized I forgot to hit that heart last night for both story and comment (must have been sleepy), just went back to read your story again, I do that sometimes. Also, I hope I didn't get you into trouble by referring to AI as your sort of expertise?
No, of course not, all good. I take an interest, but expertise might be overstating things a bit. But no worries at all, I know you meant it as a compliment.
Indeed, I did. But the discussion on this Pangram thing in your feed has been very lively, to say the least. I guess, it's a good thing to talk (not fight) about these things. Have a nice one, mate!
The future is bleak! Great story, and thought provoking. The kids will pick up on what is considered most important by the adults in their lives and social media they are constantly consuming.
So nice of Alicia to let her friend brush her hair for free. What a steal.
Gosh, this story gave me goosebumps. There's always a bit of give and take in friendships, butit does seem that we're headed towards a direction where we're keeping track a lot more
Yes, social media seems to be normalizing the idea that friendship and connection is something to be monetized, so this seemed like the logical next step.
Thanks so much for reading and for your thoughtful comment, I really appreciate it!
AH so amazing. I love these near future types of stories and you nailed it. it is so relevant to current time. It is so reminiscent to the Twilight Zone. Can't wait to read another from you!
Thanks, well, if you liked this one you’re in luck, because this kind of near-future sci-fi is absolutely my thing, and that Twilight Zone/Black Mirror vibe is what I go for. Thanks for the read, comment and restack!
Kids! Is this a future world where being friends with someone means subscribing to them, and girls combing each other's hair would only be possible with paid tiers?
It's familiarly weird, somewhat dark, and definitely disturbing! And despite all that, it creates in me a sort of whimsical wondering, "What if?" and "Could it be?"! Because let's face it, we're halfway there, aren't we?
Masterfully crafted short story. The kind that made me wonder despite a lingering sense of discomfort because of the presence of juvenile characters. Was that your intention? If so, then you've succeeded (with me, at least)! If not, I hope you understand this is just my personal perception of this particular piece. It doesn't take anything away from the brilliance of your art. Thank you!
Thanks Alex, and yeah, absolutely. Kids absorb the culture they grow up in, don’t they, so it should be disturbing to see them so thoroughly embracing the “first make friends, then monetise them” culture that pervades social media today. As always, really appreciate you reading the story and your thoughtful comment.
I realized I forgot to hit that heart last night for both story and comment (must have been sleepy), just went back to read your story again, I do that sometimes. Also, I hope I didn't get you into trouble by referring to AI as your sort of expertise?
Cheers!
No, of course not, all good. I take an interest, but expertise might be overstating things a bit. But no worries at all, I know you meant it as a compliment.
Indeed, I did. But the discussion on this Pangram thing in your feed has been very lively, to say the least. I guess, it's a good thing to talk (not fight) about these things. Have a nice one, mate!
Everything has a price- EVERYTHING. Haha. Great story and it definitely feels like 2026.
It does, doesn’t it? Thanks so much for the read, comment and restack. Cheers!
This is giving Valley High/Mean Girl Vibes set in the not so distant future. I’m here for what happens in Biology Class.
If Rosa can scrape up the money for the Gold Tier, I think Alicia might just have a new best friend.
Nice piece. I like the dialogue. Tough to keep up with kids.
The future is bleak! Great story, and thought provoking. The kids will pick up on what is considered most important by the adults in their lives and social media they are constantly consuming.
Right - kids absorb the culture because it’s all they’ve known. Thanks so much for reading and commenting - I really appreciate it.
Seriously creepy Black Mirror vibe on this one!
Thanks, that’s the Faraday Room promise!
So nice of Alicia to let her friend brush her hair for free. What a steal.
Gosh, this story gave me goosebumps. There's always a bit of give and take in friendships, butit does seem that we're headed towards a direction where we're keeping track a lot more
Yes, social media seems to be normalizing the idea that friendship and connection is something to be monetized, so this seemed like the logical next step.
Thanks so much for reading and for your thoughtful comment, I really appreciate it!
This seems way too real.
Thanks! That’s kind of my thing - plausible near-term speculative fiction. Thanks for reading and commenting!
AH so amazing. I love these near future types of stories and you nailed it. it is so relevant to current time. It is so reminiscent to the Twilight Zone. Can't wait to read another from you!
Thanks, well, if you liked this one you’re in luck, because this kind of near-future sci-fi is absolutely my thing, and that Twilight Zone/Black Mirror vibe is what I go for. Thanks for the read, comment and restack!