What is The Next Horizon?
The Next Horizon is a short sci-fi story newsletter that explores the potential for a brighter future. Our stories are set in worlds where humanity has learned to live in harmony with nature, using technology to solve our problems and create a more sustainable world.
A better future is a policy choice. Or alternatively a worse future may also be a result of the choices we make. We have agency in our lives, and we should work towards better worlds.
Science-fiction is a way to explore possible futures. Not all of them are going to be naively optimistic, but neither should they be naively pessimistic. Technology and progress can enhance our lives in we choose.
If you agree, you’re in the right place!
We publish new stories every week, with a paid tier for an additional story each week. You can also browse the more than 200 stories in the archive.
Artificial Intelligence
Mandatory Sick Day
There was a persistent chirping coming out of Charlie's bio-alarm. He groaned, slowly waking from a restless sleep. The embedded sensors in his wrist registered his sluggishness. There was a dull ach…
Bioengineering
Marriage-Pilled
The air was thick with unspoken words as Hannah and Bo sat in the couples therapist's office. Dr. Coleman, a kind woman, sat across from them. The couple's once-vibrant love story had frayed at the e…
Energy
Submarine Power
The rusty submersible creaked as it descended further into the murky depths of the ocean. Inside, Ellis McCrae, the leader of the Degrowthers, paced restlessly. His eyes were fixed on the sonar scree…
Healthcare
An empire of wellness
Sarah sat in her windowless room, staring at dozens of sensor readouts across her hundreds of clients. Everything was stable. Everything was as expected. She took a deep breath, beginning to grow rel…
Politics
Cyberphysical Brainrot
Senator Vickers stepped into the house and loosened his tie. He took a deep breath of the rosemary and garlic-infused roast chicken coming from the chicken. He felt his mouth begin to salivate as din…
Robotics
VeterAIn of a Foreign War
The transport shuddered as it decelerated. By this point it was hardly more than a bucket of rust, as its sleek metallic coating had been dulled after a series of deployments.
Space
Data Transparency
The hum of their lunar rovers echoed through the dusty remnants of the ancient city. Particles danced in the harsh sunlight that streamed through the skeletal buildings, casting long shadows across t…
Society
Not your parent's romcom
My palms were sweaty. My cheeks flush with humiliation at what I was doing. The whole thing sounded ridiculous — paying a month’s rent to an AI called ‘Serendipity’ to find love. Yet blind dates neve…
