Chapter 1

The day I went viral, my entire digital footprint was exposed.

Before I could nuke my burner account, I started trending for my god-tier bot responses.

When Hollywood heartthrob Nathan Clarke posted about his new Prime series, I replied: "OMG no cap fr fr, the writing is GENIUS and that acting?? I'm literally obsessed! This show's about to break the internet!"

When indie darling Luna Rivers shared a pic with her golden doodle, I dropped: "Such a precious doggo! Those puppy eyes are literally giving diamond energy ✨ You two are absolute bestie goals, living your best life together!"

Then someone posted fanfic shipping me with Nathan Clarke.

My comment: "SCREAMING! The vibes are immaculate! They're literally soulmates fr fr! This ship is giving everything it needs to give! Stan behavior only ?"

Users: "Bestie... did you even READ what you're commenting on? ?"

#TrendingRightNow:

"Skylar West: The Internet's Most Unhinged Bot"

"Is Skylar West Actually AI? An Investigation ?"

"Skylar West Bot Era | The Tea ☕"

My manager always tells me, "Success favors the prepared!"

I thought I was prepared - three years of non-stop work, ten supporting roles in various productions. Each character, no matter how small, I approached with dedication and craft.

But luck wasn't on my side. Three years, and audiences still couldn't pick me out of a lineup.

My manager, at her wit's end, suggested I try the controversial route to fame.

"We need to boost your visibility, whatever it takes."

That suggestion sent chills down my spine. Going viral for controversy was absolutely the nuclear option.

Desperate but determined, I turned to Reddit, asking: "How to effectively increase social media presence?"

Top comment: "Do what I do - comment on everything. Build karma, get people curious enough to check your profile. They'll want to know what you're all about."

That was my lightbulb moment.

From then on, I became omnipresent across social platforms, hustling for engagement. Obviously using my burner account - my main was still managed by my agent.

She always preaches about taking control of your destiny.

So I decided to roll the dice.

On a mom's post showing off her baby: "What an extraordinary child! Those big eyes sparkle with intelligence, and those long lashes flutter like butterfly wings! ✨?"

Mom: "Um... why does this sound like AI? ?"

On a post venting about fake friends: "Destiny brings souls together for a reason! Such precious connections are rare. This conflict is just testing your bond. May your friendship age like fine wine! ?"

OP: "...okay thanks AI bestie ?"

Even on ad posts: "Such innovative advertising! The product features are perfectly highlighted, with copy that's both concise and resonant. Masterful storytelling! ?"

Poster: "Is this the platform's default AI? ?"

On shipping posts: "The chemistry is undeniable! Their subtle glances speak volumes! ?"

OP: "Someone check if this is a real person fr fr"

Me: "..."

OP: "Wait the AI uses ellipses now? ?"

Finally, after my relentless 24/7 commenting spree, I gained some notoriety.

People started tagging empty spaces in posts: "Where's the AutoBot Queen at?" "Saving this spot for our AI bestie"

I was touched, though slightly concerned about losing my identity.

Everyone genuinely thought I was AI.

Then one day, checking my DMs:

"11/23 - cramps are the worst, light flow, never drinking iced drinks again ?"

Me: ...

Another one: "Classic Mac & Cheese Recipe: Boil elbow macaroni, make roux with butter and flour, whisk in warm milk, add sharp cheddar and gruyere, season with nutmeg and white pepper..."

And: "Gaming trash talk archive: I'll drop you in hot oil and watch you splash, your eyebrows are carrying eggs, all blink no think, slapping you with iodine - disinfecting as we go..."

Well, at least people were using me as their personal notes app.

But hey, mission accomplished - I was finally noticed.

Chapter 2

I grew bolder with my comments, going all out. From A-list stars to micro-influencers, my presence was everywhere. I even leaned into my reputation by changing my username to "AutoBot Queen."

When a travel vlogger shared a family vacation post: "What a heartwarming family moment! The love and support between you all is palpable. From everyday moments to vacation memories, happiness radiates from every pixel. You're truly blessed with such a beautiful family! ✨?"

The replies were unanimous: "AutoBot Queen never misses fr fr ?" "She's literally everywhere lmao" "Our AI queen stays booked and busy ?"

When rising actress Sarah posted a photo with her poodle: "Such an adorable pupper! Those round eyes sparkle like onyx gems, and that precious face is everything! You two are literally bestie goals, bringing warmth to each other's lives ??"

Then Nathan dropped a promo for his new show. I commented: "The storytelling is IMMACULATE! The plot twists? GENIUS! That acting? OSCAR WORTHY! This show's about to break the internet fr fr! ?"

Then I froze - holy shit, I was in that show too.

I reached for the delete button, but too late. The comments were already rolling in: "First row seats to witness AutoBot Queen's magic! ?" Complete with a GIF of a girl with pigtails holding up a camera.

My heart stopped. Even though my burner account was perfectly curated, there was still a risk of being exposed!

Just as I was about to delete everything, my manager called.

"Did you see AutoBot Queen's comment? She's trending right now - quick, engage with it!"

I nearly dropped my phone. Was I hearing this right? Engage with... myself?

"I don't know," I hesitated. "I mean, I'm still a professional actress, and AutoBot Queen is just a social media phenomenon..."

My manager was brutal: "It's your third leading role and nobody knows your face. Let's be real - AutoBot Queen has better engagement numbers than you."

My soul left my body for a minute.

Under pressure from my manager, I replied to AutoBot Queen's comment: "Such heartfelt praise always warms the soul! Thank you AutoBot Queen for the thoughtful recommendation. Hope everyone gives our show a chance! ?✨"

The responses were... interesting: "who even is this? ?" "oh that one actress nobody can remember lmao" "just another person trying to ride AutoBot Queen's clout tbh"

At that point, I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry.

Chapter 3

The night before our series premiere, the three leads hosted a YouTube livestream Q&A.

The live chat was dominated by fans of Nathan and Rachel. Their names "Nathan Clarke" and "Rachel Woods" flooded the comments.

Occasionally, someone would ask: "Who's the girl in the middle?"

"Think it's Anna West?"

Thanks - it's Skylar West.

I sat there stiffly while our host, a popular entertainment YouTuber- Jimmy Not Fatty, kept the banter flowing with Nathan and Rachel, barely acknowledging my existence.

Never mind that I was the actual lead.

I just sat there with a forced smile, watching the viewer count climb past 100K.

Live Chat: "anna looks like she's dying inside lmao ?"

"someone check if middle girl's mic is even on ?"

Thanks - it's Skylar.

I sat there stiffly, feeling completely out of place.

I was screaming internally, wondering when this torture would end. Why was I even here if they were going to ignore me?

Then Jimmy turned to Nathan: "Any fun stories from filming?"

Nathan smiled, unexpectedly shifting the spotlight to me. "Actually, I remember my first meeting with Skylar really well."

Wait, he's talking about me? I perked up, just as curious as everyone watching.

"It was late, we were all doing a table read, everyone was exhausted. I tried lightening the mood with a joke - it bombed completely. Everyone gave those awkward courtesy laughs. Just when I wanted to disappear, Skylar chimes in."

She said: "OMG, that joke is BRILLIANT! The setup was perfect, the punchline was chef's kiss, and that unexpected twist? Comedy gold! Absolutely iconic!"

Live Chat:

"why does this sound familiar ?"

"AutoBot Queen energy fr fr"

Jimmy leaned in eagerly: "Then what happened?"

Nathan grinned: "Everyone actually started laughing for real."

Jimmy turned to Rachel: "Any stories you'd like to share?"

Rachel tilted her head thoughtfully, then burst out laughing. "Also about Skylar, actually."

Well, apparently I'm more memorable than I thought.

"I twisted my ankle during a stunt scene. Skylar took me to the ER, got my meds, then went back to film her scenes. But she kept texting me."

"She'd ask 'How are you feeling?' I'd say 'Better.' She'd reply 'That's good.' Then 'Did you take your meds?' I'd say 'Yes.' She'd say 'That's good.' Then 'Need me to talk to production about time off?' I said 'No, just need a day.' She replied 'That's good.' When I thanked her, she literally said 'When you're good, I'm good.'"

Jimmy nearly lost it.

I sat there bewildered: "Isn't that... normal conversation?"

Live Chat:

"She's genuinely caring AND literally an NPC ?"

"Did she set up auto-replies or smth lmaoo"

"Was she a customer service rep in another life? ?"

"Wait is this her brand or something?"

The show finally wrapped up amid laughter.