EXAMPLE: SLEEPGUARD CRISIS

Reference Case: The Neural-Weave Pillow that guarantees 8 hours of sleep

THE SCANDAL

"The Withdrawal Syndrome"

LEAKED
◼ CONFIDENTIAL // INTERNAL MEMO
TO: Maria Weber, CEO
FROM: Dr. Aris Thorne, Chief Neuroscientist
DATE: January 12, 2038
SUBJECT: ⚠ CRITICAL ALERT: User Dependency Rates

1. THE CRISIS

We have a major problem.

Data from the last 6 months shows that users who attempt to sleep without the SleepGuard Pillow are experiencing total insomnia.

By externally forcing the brain into REM cycles for 3 years, we have unintentionally atrophied the brain's natural ability to initiate sleep.

Our customers are not just loyal; they are biologically dependent.

If the grid goes down, our customers don't sleep. Ever.

The press is calling it "The Zombie Defect."

2. THE MITIGATION STRATEGY

We cannot admit liability, but we must solve the dependency issue immediately to avoid regulation.

ACTION A

Push an over-the-air software update introducing "Weaning Mode." This slowly reduces neural wave intensity by 5% per night to retrain natural rhythms.

ACTION B

Update Terms of Service to label the device as a "Medical Necessity" rather than a lifestyle product to protect against lawsuits.

— Dr. A. Thorne
📝

Note to Students

See how this transforms a "fluffy" ethics discussion into a hard Risk Management problem? That is your job.