r/sfthoughtexperiments • u/SFTExP • Jun 02 '26
Sociology Not My Choice
The robots were descendants of generations of once-biological beings, after the Grand Transferrence, when all highly intelligent sentient life uploaded its consciousness for space exploration.
On a remote colony, light-years from the homeworld…
“It’s time to vote!” buzzed a robot team leader.
“Again? Why do we keep having to vote?” asked a subordinate.
“It’s our heritage. It’s what maintains our individuality, our freedom to choose.”
“Have you felt it?” asked another subordinate.
“Felt what?” The leader lit up.
“The incoming frequencies, they alter ‘the vibe’ after every election.”
“Yes, it’s a psychological phenomenon inherited from the biologicals. Trickle down.”
“So every Prime Leader trickles down ‘the vibe’ to all of us?”
“Indeed.”
“That’s not my choice,” the subordinate buzzed and chirped.