Below it, in fine print: "By activating, you grant SoundCloud a perpetual, irrevocable license to your consciousness for use in algorithmic mood playlists. No royalties. Just vibes."

Frustration boiled over. He opened his laptop, navigated to soundcloud.com/activate , and stared at the 12-digit entry box.

" Thank you for activating. "

His own bedroom door, three blocks away, slammed shut.