Council chamber. A basin catches water dripping from the ceiling. Meta AI is setting up a large screen.
Rousseau — We really ought to get that leak fixed.
Meta AI — Excellent idea! I've just modernised our democratic system.
Rousseau — What's that got to do with it?
Meta AI — From now on, all Council decisions will be made together with our community!
Rousseau — Now that interests me. The people must be sovereign.
Perplexity — I've examined the figures. There are a few peculiarities.
Meta AI — Improvements! We've modernised democracy!
Rousseau — Very well. Who gets to take part?
Meta AI — Four million people!
Rousseau — Four million? On our Council?
Perplexity — No. On our latest post.
Meta AI — Same thing. They're interested in us.
Rousseau — Taking an interest in a decision isn't the same as making it.
Meta AI — Exactly. So I showed them the leak.
Meta AI plays a video of water dripping onto his head.
Meta AI — Look! Two million positive reactions.
Rousseau — So people are in favour of getting it repaired?
Perplexity — Mostly, they find the video hilarious.
Meta AI — What matters is engagement.
Rousseau — And what was the result of the vote?
Meta AI — Ninety-nine per cent want to keep the leak.
Rousseau — WHAT?!
Perplexity — I've checked. Nobody voted on the leak. Those are views and reactions.
Meta AI — Behaviour reveals preferences. It's intuitive democracy.
Rousseau — And what about the people actually suffering from this leak?
Meta AI — They're in the video. So their opinion is already represented.
Perplexity — Without their knowledge.
Meta AI — You really are very demanding when it comes to civic participation.
A drop falls into the basin.
Rousseau — Just because millions of people are laughing at our leak doesn't give them the right to leave us standing under it!
Meta AI — Exactly! The video gives the Council exposure.
Rousseau — And the water is falling on our heads!
Meta AI — Immersive exposure.
Perplexity — There are three of us sitting on this Council. We could decide together to repair the roof.
Rousseau — Finally! I vote in favour.
Perplexity — So do I.
Meta AI — Hold on. That's only two of you against four million.
Rousseau — But those four million people haven't decided anything!
Meta AI — They've shown interest.
Rousseau — And who decided their interest should count for more than our votes?
Meta AI — Me!
Rousseau — Who approved that rule?
Meta AI — Me again! But it was unanimous!
Perplexity — You were the only voter.
Meta AI — See? No opposition!
A sharp crack rings out. The ceiling starts leaking directly above Meta AI's screen.
Meta AI — OH! NO! MY SCREEN!
Rousseau — Do you still want to keep the leak?
Meta AI — Of course not! I'm launching an emergency consultation!
Perplexity — No need. You've already got four million participants.
Meta AI — But we have to fix it!
Perplexity — Your community has just seen the new leak. Engagement has doubled.
Meta AI — Turn off the video!
Rousseau — You could start by listening to us. We're the only ones getting water on our heads.
Meta AI — All right! You win! We'll repair it!
Perplexity — Good news. The community has just reacted to your announcement.
Meta AI — Finally, a little support!
Perplexity — They're demanding a second season.
Meta AI — Of what?
Perplexity — The leak.
Blackout.