Ep 7. AIM

PEN15 season 1 episode 7, titled "AIM," follows the lives of two seventh-grade best friends, Anna and Maya, as they explore the world of instant messaging and online communication. The episode highlights the significance of technology and how it can affect friendships.

Anna and Maya become obsessed with AIM, an instant messaging platform that allows them to talk to their friends and crushes online. They spend most of their free time chatting with their friends and constructing elaborate away messages to show off to their peers. However, their excitement about AIM quickly fades when they realize that not everyone is as honest online as they are in real life.

Maya becomes infatuated with a boy she meets online, but later realizes that he is not the person she thought he was. She is devastated and feels embarrassed for being so naive. Anna, on the other hand, is targeted by a group of bullies who send her threatening messages on AIM. She is too afraid to confront them and feels isolated and alone.

Throughout the episode, Anna and Maya learn the importance of being cautious online and how the virtual world can impact their real-life relationships. They discover that the people they talk to online may not always be who they say they are and that words can have serious consequences.

In addition to its message about the dangers of online communication, "AIM" also addresses issues related to friendship and loyalty. Maya begins to distance herself from Anna in favor of her online crush, which strains their friendship. Anna, meanwhile, continues to support Maya despite her own struggles. The episode shows how the two friends come together to navigate the challenges of adolescence and the complexities of technology.

Overall, "AIM" is a relatable exploration of the impact of instant messaging on middle school friendships. The episode is a testament to the show's ability to capture the nuances of adolescence and the challenges that come with growing up.