My name is Vishal Kapoor, and I am the head of product at Affirm. I should be proud of the revolutionary ‘Buy Now, Pay Later’ system we’ve developed. It was meant to be a solution, a way to help people get what they need without immediate payment. But as I stare at the chaos unfolding on the streets below my office window, I can’t help but feel responsible. Our creation has turned into a monster.

When we first launched Affirm, it was hailed as a game-changer. People loved the idea of being able to make purchases and pay them off over time, without the burden of credit card debt. It seemed like a win-win situation. But somewhere along the way, things went horribly wrong.

The government saw the potential of our system, not as a tool to empower consumers, but as a means of control. They realized that by manipulating the terms and conditions, they could trap people in a cycle of debt, making them dependent on the government for their basic needs. And so, they seized control of Affirm, twisting it into a weapon to keep the population in line.

As the head of product, I was caught in the middle. I had no idea what was happening behind the scenes until it was too late. Now, I find myself torn between my loyalty to the company and my duty to the people who are suffering because of our creation. I know I have to do something, but I also know that the government won’t hesitate to silence anyone who threatens their control.

The Rabbit Hole

I start my investigation by digging into the system’s code, searching for any hidden algorithms or backdoors that could be used to manipulate the terms of the loans. It’s a daunting task, but I’m determined to uncover the truth.

Late nights turn into early mornings as I pour over lines of code, my eyes growing heavy with exhaustion. But every time I think about giving up, I remember the faces of the people on the streets, struggling to make ends meet while the government grows richer.

One night, as I’m deep in the rabbit hole of code, I stumble upon something that sends a chill down my spine. There, buried deep within the system, is a line of code that allows the government to adjust interest rates and repayment terms at will. It’s a silent weapon, invisible to the users, but devastating in its power.

I can’t believe what I’m seeing. This isn’t just a case of the government taking advantage of our system. This is a deliberate plan to keep the population in perpetual debt, to ensure their obedience and control. I feel sick to my stomach, but I know I can’t turn a blind eye to this.

The Resistance

Armed with the evidence I’ve uncovered, I reach out to a group of rebels who call themselves The Resistance. They’ve been fighting against the government’s oppressive regime for years, and they’re eager to expose the truth behind Affirm.

We meet in a hidden location, a rundown warehouse on the outskirts of the city. The air is thick with tension as I lay out my findings, explaining how the government has manipulated our system to keep the population in debt.

The members of The Resistance listen intently, their eyes filled with a mix of anger and determination. They know that this information could be the key to finally bringing down the government, to freeing the people from their chains.

But they also know that it won’t be easy. The government has eyes and ears everywhere, and they won’t hesitate to crush anyone who threatens their power. We’ll need a plan, a way to expose the truth without putting ourselves in danger.

The Truth Unveiled

As we brainstorm ideas, a plan begins to take shape. We’ll need to gather more evidence, to show the public the extent of the government’s control. And we’ll need a way to disseminate that information, to reach as many people as possible.

The Resistance has a network of hackers, skilled individuals who can breach the government’s security systems and access their databases. With their help, we’ll be able to gather the evidence we need to expose the truth.

But we can’t rely on traditional media outlets to spread the word. The government has too much control over the news, too many ways to silence dissenting voices. We’ll need to take matters into our own hands, to create a platform where the truth can be shared freely.

And so, we begin building an underground network, a digital space where people can come together to share information and organize. It’s a risky endeavor, but we know that it’s the only way to fight back against the government’s control.

As the days turn into weeks, our network grows stronger. People from all walks of life join us, eager to be part of something bigger, to fight for their freedom. And as we gather more evidence, as we uncover the dark secrets behind Affirm, I know that we’re getting closer to the truth.

But with each step forward, the government grows more desperate. They’ll stop at nothing to protect their power, to keep the population in line. And as the noose tightens around us, I realize that the fight for freedom will be far more dangerous than I ever imagined.

The Source

This small novel was automatically created by processing the news article “Affirm’s head of product discusses its new approach to buy now, pay later” published by TechCrunch. This novel is generated using a collection of recipes, generative AI, and the touch of a human (when time allows).

This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents in this book are either the product of the Generative AI algorithm “imagination” or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.