Why I came up with this story.

I worry about what we’re handing our children.

Not just phones and tablets, but the digital realms they open: worlds that begin by adding to life, but slowly start to replace it. Curated, addictive, relentless.

Social media promises fun, connection, identity. And at first, that’s exactly what it delivers.

But too often, it becomes something else. The games become rules. The rules become pressure. And the pressure becomes performance.

Behind it all? Powerful, faceless companies making fortunes from borrowed joy.

I’ve seen young people—and let’s be honest, I do it too—pour time and attention into platforms that feed on us. I’ve seen creativity traded for trends. Laughter replaced by comparison. Rest devoured by endless scrolling.

It’s exhausting. And yet, we can’t seem to stop. Because these systems are designed to keep us playing.

So I created a story.

It’s fantasy, yes. But it’s also a parable. One where a clever game offers strength and status, but slowly reshapes its players. Offers masks that promise prestige, but hide your face. Gives power, but takes more.

And the way out? It doesn’t require force. Just the courage to stop playing by someone else’s rules.

I hope this story speaks to you, whether you’re a parent, a teacher, or someone who’s ever felt hollow after chasing what was supposed to be fun.

We don’t have to follow the rules of a broken game. We can choose better ones.

P.S.: you can read the final, improved version of this story on my Substack: https://fatherroderick.substack.com/p/the-hollow-game