The Day My Digital Twin Took Over

It started as a joke. Arjun had signed up to test a “digital twin” for a product research firm. They promised it would simulate his preferences, emotions, and even buying decisions. “Just feed it data,” they said. “Let it learn who you are.” He thought it was harmless—until the twin started getting things right. His favorite snacks were auto-delivered. Ads spoke to him like a close friend. And one day, a prototype smartwatch arrived at his door—designed from a survey he never remembered taking. Because his twin had taken it. At first, Arjun was impressed. Delighted even. But then came a sense of unease. Could his digital twin speak for him better than he could? Could it live a version of his life—smarter, faster, optimized? He watched, both amazed and anxious, as brands stopped asking him what he wanted and started asking his twin. The lines blurred. Was he the product, or the prototype? One night, he turned off his phone and disconnected his twin. Silence. Real silence. It felt… human.