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CONTEST ENDED – Thank you for submitting your stories!

#82: How App-ropriate

Love it or loathe it, there’s no denying that modern technology has reshaped literally every aspect of our daily lives. From the way we stay in touch with family and friends, to the ready access of information (or misinformation), to how we work and then spend our hard-earned cash, there’s no part of modern life that isn’t impacted by technology.

And it’s safe to say the advancement of tech is only accelerating. But while some characters welcome — or even help usher in — this changing world, others won’t be so accepting. This week, let’s take a look at some of the highs and lows of a world run by algorithms.

This week's prompts

Write about a technophobe who’s been given a device to solve a problem they’ve struggled with for years, but isn't sure how they feel about it.

Character – 95 stories

Your character has just realized the app they’ve been developing has become self-aware. How do they react?

Science Fiction – 74 stories

Write a historical fiction story about someone working at a company that helped revolutionize early computers.

Historical Fiction – 17 stories

Write a near-future thriller where a piece of everyday technology has turned against your character — and only your character.

Thriller and Suspense – 130 stories

Write about an android just trying to blend in with their human companions.

Science Fiction – 221 stories

Stories

“Home Improvement” by David Van Uffelen

Submitted to Contest #82

REBOOTING Lucas, your typical computer programmer/nerd, looked at the blinking lights of the central controller and waited anxiously for the system to reboot. He had spent the last two years building his own home automation system and today was going to be the day everything would be connected to Ellie. He had used his own initials – Lucas Elliot – as inspiration for the name of the A.I. that would control everything. But the name of the system was the least of his concerns at the moment. From the moment the A.I. would c...

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“Deep Breath” by Jimmy Bowes

Submitted to Contest #82

Tyler placed his briefcase in the decontaminating closet along with his coat, and snapped the closet door shut before he punched the large red button for the sani spray shower.“Kah- chunk!”He heard the exhaust doors in the HVAC slam into place and the fan began to whir. This had been the routine to returning home for ten years at least. Tyler quickly moved his hands up and down his torso and legs, front and back, to make sure there was no loose material. He couldn’t help but giggle inside a little every time he watch his tie float upwar...

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“Android Robotson, CPA” by David Moyer

Submitted to Contest #82

Ever had one of those days when you just regret showing up for work? Lately every day has been like that for me. Just when I was hoping today would be an exception – that I can just get my work done and go home without any crazy incidents – I hear Todd in the next cubicle exclaim “Oh, are you serious!?” before he knocks on the wall separating us and says “Hey, Tom, get a load of this!” Almost instantly I can hear my other coworkers sniggering shamelessly. Reluctantly I hit the “save” button (just in case some...

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“My Flight to Freedom” by Eliz Wee

Submitted to Contest #82

The first sense I was aware of was sound. This told me there were some people nearby. I could not place them, yet I seemed to innately recognize their voice. A deep voice said, “His vitals have stabilized. There is a connection to the console.” A rougher voice said, “Grant… Wait… Did you see that? There was a blip.” “Really? Erm… Don’t see it.” The rustle of a few things moving around and clicks and taps. “Must be my imagination…” “I hear ya. I can’t wait for this launch so I can get some decent sleep!” Tapping. More clicks. “...

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“Dreams” by Neeta Kanen

Submitted to Contest #82

Knock. Knock. A gentle knock was heard from Mr. Williams door into the study. “Who is there?”, Mr. Williams bellowed as he set down the reading material that was loosely placed on his hands. “Tis I, Jessica, the only maiden in this dull house, the princess of your creation, master Williams”. The lovely voice of a girl could be heard from the other side of the door. “I believe you have acquired a new upgrade, my daughter, humor. Come in”, Mr. Williams said, grabbing his mug of black coffee and settling down on his study chair. T...

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“MIMIC” by Michelle Clements

Submitted to Contest #82

A lone student sat in the classroom. He’d arrived early because it was important to see the expression on the face of each student as they arrived. Suddenly, the homeroom bell sounded and Delaney waited for the others. The teacher, Mrs Evans arrived first. “Oh hello,” she smiled upon seeing Delaney. “Hi,” he smiled back Mrs. Evans looks at a list. “What’s your name?” “Delaney Ryan.” “Ah yes here you are,” Mrs. Evans notes. Welcome to Prescott High. “It says here that you transferred from Roswell High? ...

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“Bridget” by Camilla Vavruch

Submitted to Contest #82

I wasn’t born. I wish I had been, it would’ve been much easier, but that’s a fact and no matter my wishing, no one can change it. Just like no human can pick who they were born to, I can’t change the fact that I was never born at all. They created me. “Come on, Bridget,” says Jenny, voice stressed and tresses of her red hair falling from her ponytail. “We’re late.” “Yes, Jenny.” My name isn’t actually Bridget, but Jenny was so little when they brought me to her, and she had trouble calling me BRD2 - Body Robot Demo 2 - and as she wrinkled he...

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“Time to Come.” by Muskan Kashyap

Submitted to Contest #82

Yawn* It was morning, eight a.m. I think. I don’t really know. I woke up from my alarm screaming in my head. It wasn’t actually a scream… scream, my alarm is my current favorite song but no matter how good that song was, it still disturbed my restful sleep. Taking a stiff breath, I stepped into the shower, letting my silk robe fall out of the glass cubical. I turned the water on to the warm temperature, but suddenly as I saw the water jetting out of the perforated head, a fear raised from my gut to my throat, pleading not to step under it. E...

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“The Secret is Out” by Stephen Drivick

Submitted to Contest #82

The Secret is Out Bedford adjusted his shirt until the row of buttons was nice and straight. He brushed off his pants for the third time and glanced in the full-length mirror to check on his hair. Everything looked great, and he was ready to leave his small apartment. Except.. Upon closer inspection, he noticed a small wrinkle developing near his right eye. Just a small one, but it looked weird and not at all natural. People would point at him as he went on his daily walk. Most of his friends and neighbors would notice right off. Peopl...

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“ND-M08.txt” by A Mehendale

Submitted to Contest #82

I’ve always known I was different, from my peers. ‘Not like the other girls’. The other girls could make friends easily, move fluidly, wear dresses and dance in the sun. They could stay up all night discussing which celebrities were and weren’t attractive. They could walk through metal detectors without causing international incidents.Perhaps some of that is relatable to you. Some of it, I assume, is not. I have read that self-doubt, insecurities, isolation, are all quintessential parts of the teenage experience. By that metric alone, I must...

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“Tk's Unexpected Dilemma” by Pako Dunwhile

Submitted to Contest #82

A bomb? Tk421 ran another diagnostic check. The moments passed as its software scanned for any anomalies. The check came up with all systems green and without anything that would be considered foreign on or inside it, except for a ladybug that was on its mechanical hand. It scanned the ladybug to be sure. No threat. The android processed the conflicting information with confusion. It considered this inconsistent logic as it made its way out of the modified warehouse to the city sidewalk. Its internal dialogue ran two parallel scripts. O...

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“Android Wingman ” by Mandy T

Submitted to Contest #82

I sit at home while Ryan and Danielle are at work and watch television. Their orange and white tabby cat stares at me with suspicion. He stands at the top of his scratching post in the corner by the front door or at the foot of the bed right where he can see me through the open door frame. I pay him no mind as the lights flicker on the screen in front of me. I watch shows and movies, mostly sitcoms and romance. I don’t laugh or cry or do anything but try to understand. Ryan and Danielle are nothing like the couples on the shows. Daniell...

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$50

Prize money

537

Contest entries

0

Stories

Ended on 23:59 - Feb 26, 2021 EST

Won by Cyndy Reads 🏆

Title: ALN23061912RK

Submissions must be between 1,000 - 3,000 words and will be approved and published on Reedsy Prompts within 7 days of the contest closing.

Read the full terms & conditions or check out the FAQ if you have any questions!

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