As the program launched, a matrix of profiles began to swirl on his screen. The software was alive, reaching out into the vast network of VK, knocking on digital doors he didn't even know existed. By sunset, his notification bell was ringing like a frantic alarm. 100 friends. 500 friends. 2,000 friends. But as the numbers climbed, the atmosphere changed.
Frantic, he pulled the power cord from the wall. The screen went black, leaving only his own reflection in the glass—a lonely artist who realized too late that true friendship, even online, can't be downloaded with a program.
Realizing his mistake, Alexei tried to close the program, but the "skachat" process had inverted. Instead of bringing things in, it was draining his account. His personal messages were being sent to strangers; his private photos were being shared across the web.