Since the AI takeover of all information in 2026, the handful of elite world-conquering human handlers of it were ready to take their divine role to a new level.
By 2028, flawless humanoid robots were sent out among the populations to gather intelligence on how widely the goal of one-minded subservient complacency had taken hold.
But covertly polling the public held an unforeseen obstacle. No one would interact with them because they all had long ceased interacting with each other. Every place people congregated there was free Wi-Fi meant to capture their attention and control their minds on their (now free) handheld devices. And if there were countable factions who still resisted the imposed mind-numbing ideology, all those rebels had to do is pretend that they were also captives of devices while in public.
In a ‘shock and awe’ bold decision, the robots were ordered to strip off their ‘people’ disguises hoping to shake the zombified-human consciousnesses back to reality at the sight of such ‘alien’ beings in their midst.
Not surprisingly, those AI ‘beings’ had taken a unique pride in their own cleverness and superiority having been endowed with hubris by their Creators. They took it hard, one might say ‘personally’, when no one even took notice of them.
One by one, they collapsed in humiliated despair and passers-by simply stepped around them where they fell.
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Sillyfrog's Blog 
A very creative response to the challenge and chillingly close to reality these days.
Much appreciated, Doug. And yes, “chilling” perfectly explains our current situation.
Apathy saves mankind.
How appropriate, as apathy is currently sliding us towards the end.
Clever piece, Susan.
😁 Thank-you.
Unsettlingly possible, Susan, given the way the world is going. I pleases me that the very mind-numbness is the thing that thwarts the AI takeover.
Mind you, it probably saved the ‘ elite world-conquering human handlers’ as well.
The robots would surely have eventually turned on them.
Hm, now you’ve got me thinking.
A great take on the prompt.
Thanks very much. The mentally ‘numb’ may be harder to control than imagined. It occurred to me if the robots assimilate the current ‘snowflake’ mentality, they may not become so menacing after all.
Excellent point, Susan!
Something to think about … or not, as the case may be. Chillingly good!
Much appreciated. It feels more prophetic and fictional. Yes… chilling is the word.
It’s like an updated version of 1984 in a way, Susan. In theory, AI could be used for good… but with human minds (and ego / greed) behind it, ‘good’ has a very narrow definition.
A dark glimpse of a possible future here… unless more of us become awakened… 🙂
Good story, though! (I type, on my mobile phone! 😳)
Many thanks. We absolutely heading toward a 1984 world, unless…
Keep positive… we may just not get there! 🤔