[DangitBobby]

Ah "Virtual Friend" reminds me of FriendProxy from Maniac:

> Another equally depressing tech-inspired service in Maniac is called FriendProxy, a fictional company that lets you hire random strangers to pretend to be your close friends. As one customer notes, “I have real friends, this is just more convenient.”

Let's go ahead and add AdBuddy to your list:

> Targeted advertising takes its logical next step in Maniac with AdBuddy, a company that lets you pay for other products and services by listening to some schlub read advertisements to you. Can’t afford a train ticket? Ride with an AdBuddy. Hungry? AdBuddy will pay for your lunch — if you listen to advertisements while you eat.

1. https://www.inverse.com/article/49305-maniac-netflix-adbuddy...

[bananaowl]

Is advertising to people without money a good business?

[baremetal]

it is if people are given UBI.

[trenning]

Maniac is a great watch. Really hit some good dystopian/alternative future vibes.

[undeIays]

Next you'll tell we have to suffer ads and promotional marketing for rewards or donations just to check out at the pharmacy!