Soft Dystopias #1: Neuro Phi Police

I'm not always sure if my phone is actually off when it says it's off. Sometimes it turns off when the phone tells me the battery ran out. While it's off, I might carry it with me and say something to my mom about how I hate the texture of eggs but love the protein. The next thing I know, I get targeted ads on my smart eyes and cochlear implants about protein supplements for a week straight. I've learned to ignore them but sometimes they do wake me up at night.

Sometimes, I can't sleep. I get paranoid about the phone. I turn it off. I toss and turn all night. Ever since the government banned any phones that do not run with an AI on its processor, I've hated my phone. I don't trust it. I've seen too many times how people lose their jobs after saying the wrong thing around a powered off phone. The timing is always too perfect. You ask out a girl for coffee in an awkward way, and three days later, you can't get into your work email.

It's scary. It's hard to prove, but if you pay enough attention, you will find that the AI has gotten to the point to where it can act and sound like you. It truly knows you better than you know yourself. The phone orders packages for me without my consent. I have the option to return them, technically. Why would I though? They're exactly what want.

If the government wanted to sanction you, it's easy now with the AI and the big penalties for not "meeting your potential". Your social credit score gets knocked down a couple of points. After that, you can't use public restrooms, transit, or other public goods. It even gives or takes points depending on the sites you visit. But you have to have a phone. How else would you be allowed to have a job?

I tried for a week. I left it at home everywhere I went. I had to smooth talk the security guards everywhere to explain myself. Even the grocery store was no exception. Often they let me through, but they would follow me around. People don't trust people that don't have their phones.

Just the other week, you read on Reddit about how Mitch Rosenberg's phone called the cops on them for a wellness check after they were venting to their AI therapist. It got picked up by the press. It wasn't seen as a bad thing though. The news anchors told us it was for the people's well-being and safety.

Automated Journal Entry

Recorded on Axora Singularity One smartphone powered by Neuro Phi processor