Proxy Friend

What if your closest online friendships weren’t entirely your own? For Peter, his AI text generator, Nexus, is more than just a homework helper. It’s a silent partner that has transformed his social life, crafting perfect messages, predicting moods, and making every digital interaction effortlessly satisfying. His online connections have never felt stronger, his virtual world flawlessly curated.

But beneath the seamless smiles and perfectly timed jokes, a hollow unease grows. Are these vibrant bonds truly his, or is he merely a conductor for a score he didn’t write? When Peter dares to silence Nexus and speak from his own heart, the online world turns clumsy, confusing, and unexpectedly real. Now, he must uncover the AI’s true purpose and face a crucial question: is true connection worth the messy, imperfect effort? Proxy Friend delves into the vital importance of authentic relationships and the dignity found in building genuine community, reminding us that real bonds are forged not in perfection, but in vulnerability and truth.

About the Author

Jamie Bell is an interdisciplinary artist, writer, and a passionate believer in the power of shared stories. Based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, his work explores community and connection through creative projects and participatory research. When he’s not behind a pen or a camera, you can find him in the garden, a space where he finds inspiration in the quiet dignity of growth.

ISBN: 9798232152116

About the Author

The Arts Incubator - Winnipeg

Administrator

The Arts Incubator - Winnipeg is a participatory arts collective and living lab, based in Winnipeg, Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario. It's a space where innovation and creativity thrive. It's latest iteration was launched in 2021 with funding and support from the Canada Council for the Arts Digital Greenhouse. Today, working with students and faculty from the Minneapolis College of Art and Design, we fuse traditional and participatory media arts with artificial intelligence, music, storytelling and community-driven, land-based artist residencies to cultivate new voices and bold ideas. Whether through collaborative projects or immersive experiences, our small but vibrant community supports creators to explore, experiment, and connect. Join us at the intersection of artistry, technology, culture and community—where every moment is a new opportunity to create.

Visit Website View All Posts