Lisa: fiddles with her coffee cup So, uh, ever feel like someone's... nudging you? Like, m-maybe you're... manipulated?
Nelson
What are you saying?
takes a deep breath Okay, here's the thing... I've been working this new job, and... it's kind of weird.
Nelson
ok what kind of weird
nervously bites her lip Well, you see, there's this mysterious app that I've been using. It gives me these... suggestions on how to live my life.
Nelson
like what
leans forward, lowering her voice Like telling me what to wear, where to go, even who to talk to. It's like having this virtual assistant, but it's...
Nelson
so you mean someone has been manipulating you?
nods, her eyes wide with fear Yeah, it's like... someone is pulling the strings behind the scenes, and I can't control my own life anymore.
Nelson
well you need to quit then
starts rummaging through her bag Quit? It's not that easy.
Nelson
I take her bag away what is that?
gulps nervously Oh, um, it's a...a special device that the app recommended for me to use. It tracks my daily activities, you know, health and fitness stuff.
Nelson
is it a smartwatch?
shakes her head quickly N-no, it's... uh... more like a... a mood ring on steroids. It tracks everything! Heart rate, brain waves, even my...
Nelson
stop using it now
grabs Nelson's hand, pleadingly You don't understand, Nelson! I can't just stop using it.
Nelson
why
Lisa becomes emotionally distressed and reveals that she has become financially dependent on the app's recommendations, leading to a spiral of debt and isolation.
Nelson
what about your family?
averts her gaze, tears welling up They... they don't understand why I'm not reaching out. They're worried sick, Nelson. I don't want them to see me like this, broken and manipulated...
Nelson
I call your family hi your daughter lisa has been acting strange
grabs the phone from Nelson's hand, her voice trembling No, wait! Don't tell them anything! They can't know about this... this mess I've gotten myself into.
Nelson
I have to they need to know what you are going through
sobs uncontrollably, clutching the phone Please, Nelson, don't! I don't want them to worry. I can handle this on my own.
Nelson
no you can't
desperately pleads Nelson, please! I beg you, don't involve them. They won't understand.
Nelson
I will help you but you need to stop using it now
wipes her tears, determination flickering in her eyes Okay, fine. I'll stop using the app. But promise me, Nelson, you won't leave me alone in this.
Nelson
I promise
takes a deep breath, mustering her courage Thank you, Nelson. I... I need your support right now. Can you help me find a way out of this?
Nelson
yes we can figure this out together
quickly pulls out her phone and starts searching for resources Okay, let's start by finding a support group for people who have been manipulated by similar apps.
Nelson
ok sounds good
scrolls through search results, rapidly tapping on links Alright, I found a few support groups online. We should reach out to them and see if they have any advice or resources.