Very fun piece of satirical speculative fiction. I love seeing stuff like this on the site. While it's a very funny story, there is still some food for thought here about the paradox of choice, how we search for the perfect romantic partner when we can't even define what perfect is, etc.. In both relationships and "smart" technology consumer products, it seems like the more control we have, the unhappier we become.
"...it seems like the more control we have, the unhappier we become." That is so true!
It's often easier for us to communicate when we're dissatisfied, then it is for us to identify what we're looking for that will ultimately satisfy us. We think we know what we want, but that often leads to more trouble. Thanks for reading and commenting!
This hits a lot of buttons: robotics, AI, feminism, masculinity, tech "support," black markets, politics, and I'm sure I've missed a few. Thanks for stirring the pot! 😜
Clever! I've always found the joking references to "training" a partner to be patronizing at best, and outright offensive and insulting at worst. I wonder if an improvement to the software in this story could be made through AI: reading through every sent test message, email, or instant message and conversations on the phone or computer could allow a company to create "the perfect partner" without all the mechanical fiddling. Or, at least, what the person would THINK is the perfect partner. Because what we think is perfect for us vs what actually IS perfect for us can be radically different.
Thanks for reading and commenting! It reminds me a little of that movie "Her". The idea that they could take a digital footprint and turn it into a partner. But what's funny is what if the personality we are online doesn't encapsulate what we want in a partner? In this case, it's definitely satire. I've written more serious pieces, but love something a little lighter.
Heh. Husband Android Legislation 9000 Act. I see what you did there. :)
You've got a keen eye, Michael! I was wondering who would be the first to catch that. Thanks for reading and commenting! 😁
That was a fun read and an enjoyable story. I like the "nod" to THX-1138 with the DRH's number.
Thanks, Nicholas! I'm glad someone caught that 😁
Very fun piece of satirical speculative fiction. I love seeing stuff like this on the site. While it's a very funny story, there is still some food for thought here about the paradox of choice, how we search for the perfect romantic partner when we can't even define what perfect is, etc.. In both relationships and "smart" technology consumer products, it seems like the more control we have, the unhappier we become.
"...it seems like the more control we have, the unhappier we become." That is so true!
It's often easier for us to communicate when we're dissatisfied, then it is for us to identify what we're looking for that will ultimately satisfy us. We think we know what we want, but that often leads to more trouble. Thanks for reading and commenting!
This hits a lot of buttons: robotics, AI, feminism, masculinity, tech "support," black markets, politics, and I'm sure I've missed a few. Thanks for stirring the pot! 😜
Thanks for reading and commenting, Richard! Now that you mention it, I sure did pack a lot into that story. 🤣
Clever! I've always found the joking references to "training" a partner to be patronizing at best, and outright offensive and insulting at worst. I wonder if an improvement to the software in this story could be made through AI: reading through every sent test message, email, or instant message and conversations on the phone or computer could allow a company to create "the perfect partner" without all the mechanical fiddling. Or, at least, what the person would THINK is the perfect partner. Because what we think is perfect for us vs what actually IS perfect for us can be radically different.
Thanks for the interesting food for thought!
Thanks for reading and commenting! It reminds me a little of that movie "Her". The idea that they could take a digital footprint and turn it into a partner. But what's funny is what if the personality we are online doesn't encapsulate what we want in a partner? In this case, it's definitely satire. I've written more serious pieces, but love something a little lighter.
Was not expecting that, lol.
I love a good surprise! Thanks for reading, Harold. 😁
You're welcome, Brian.
🤣