Love how you keep the reveal in this until Wilma's limited time at a computer once she's in prison. And how all of it comes from failing to opt out, and her supervisor's unwitting use of language. Nicely done.
Absolutely word perfect! Excellent work! You have captured the shock, horror, and dismay of the accused person who wakes up one day wondering if the whole world has gone mad.
What makes this so incredibly chilling is the very real possibility of it happening...not tomorrow, but today. Very Twilight Zone/Black Mirror vibe, and a roller coaster of emotions. I was horrified by the video reveal and then chuckled when she read her boss's email in detail. Brilliant writing, Judith.
Yes. I think in reality it would be a bit more difficult to convict someone on a fake photo than in your story, but the story was intentional satire so that’s not a criticism! It sort of means that to really convict someone the perpetrator would need to be really clever about it.
But turning someone into an unsavoury person by making fake photos/videos go viral before anyone can correct anything - absolutely! I think that’s the greater danger to the person. The other danger of course is faking historical photos/videos - once we lose knowledge of history we’re screwed - as Orwell wrote, ‘he who controls the past controls the present. He who controls the present controls the future'.
It is definitely scary stuff - so the more we are aware of it the better. Which is why stories like your one are so valuable.
P.S. thanks for the subscribe! I am now returning the favour (I meant to a while back - I’ve read quite a few of your stories now and loved all of them).
Thank you for this thoughtful comment. I completely agree with you about faking historical photographs, and unfortunately we’re already starting to see it, not just with historical photos but also with current events.
And I actually thought I had already subscribed to you! I know I’ve read and enjoyed your stories. So I was surprised to see that little orange “Subscribe” button next to your name. Looking forward to reading more of your work!
Oof. That smarts at the end. Hold on while I go opt out of everything everywhere. So glad to see how this came together in the end. And thanks for contributing to The Midnight Vault!
So cool to see our different approaches to AI in our stories. I love this. I especially liked the indifference of the AI tech and how a simple not opting out was the end for our poor MC.
She really did deserve to be honored for her hard work.
Love how you keep the reveal in this until Wilma's limited time at a computer once she's in prison. And how all of it comes from failing to opt out, and her supervisor's unwitting use of language. Nicely done.
Thank you! Yeah, those tech companies really try hard to do all sorts of nefarious things we have to opt out of to avoid.
Absolutely word perfect! Excellent work! You have captured the shock, horror, and dismay of the accused person who wakes up one day wondering if the whole world has gone mad.
What makes this so incredibly chilling is the very real possibility of it happening...not tomorrow, but today. Very Twilight Zone/Black Mirror vibe, and a roller coaster of emotions. I was horrified by the video reveal and then chuckled when she read her boss's email in detail. Brilliant writing, Judith.
That will definitely be happening before too long. Possibly already is.
Brilliantly done!
Thank you!
I really hope this is one of those rare instances where fictional dystopian scenarios DON'T come true.
Yes. I think in reality it would be a bit more difficult to convict someone on a fake photo than in your story, but the story was intentional satire so that’s not a criticism! It sort of means that to really convict someone the perpetrator would need to be really clever about it.
But turning someone into an unsavoury person by making fake photos/videos go viral before anyone can correct anything - absolutely! I think that’s the greater danger to the person. The other danger of course is faking historical photos/videos - once we lose knowledge of history we’re screwed - as Orwell wrote, ‘he who controls the past controls the present. He who controls the present controls the future'.
It is definitely scary stuff - so the more we are aware of it the better. Which is why stories like your one are so valuable.
P.S. thanks for the subscribe! I am now returning the favour (I meant to a while back - I’ve read quite a few of your stories now and loved all of them).
Thank you for this thoughtful comment. I completely agree with you about faking historical photographs, and unfortunately we’re already starting to see it, not just with historical photos but also with current events.
And I actually thought I had already subscribed to you! I know I’ve read and enjoyed your stories. So I was surprised to see that little orange “Subscribe” button next to your name. Looking forward to reading more of your work!
" The barista eyed her warily, then took two steps backward, almost colliding with the milk frothing machine. 'You’re—'
Wilma sighed, exasperated. 'I’m what?' she demanded.
The barista gulped, brushing turquoise strands from her face. 'You’re an unsavory person,' she whispered. "
Oh, so this is a normal fear. 😆 great, nervous read, Judith! 🖤
I'm sure you're not unsavory! Thanks for reading!
the anxiety!!! great horror story.
Very nice!
Oof. That smarts at the end. Hold on while I go opt out of everything everywhere. So glad to see how this came together in the end. And thanks for contributing to The Midnight Vault!
Thanks!
Oh my god! What a horrible, and completely possible, scenario! Poor Wilma, so complacent in her modest contentment…
Remember to opt out! Thanks for reading.
So cool to see our different approaches to AI in our stories. I love this. I especially liked the indifference of the AI tech and how a simple not opting out was the end for our poor MC.
She really did deserve to be honored for her hard work.
Very funny reveal. Bravo, Judith.
Thank you! I liked seeing our different approaches in our respective stories too. Thanks for reading!
Spot on. We're probably further into this reality than it seems, by now.
Unfortunately!
This is chilling, for how close we are to this future. But I laughed outloud at the post. She killed those puppies 😂😂😂
Glad I could make you laugh!
Yikes! Swiftly goes from whimsical to horrific...and succeeds at both. Bravo!
Thank you!
Too real… time to stock up on gold bars and physical media
Don't forget to opt out of everything!
Arcane yet twisted; reminds me of Shirley Jackson
Thank you so much!
Loved this! Such a timely story and so well done!
Thank you!