When Math Meets Customer Service: A Tale of Sets and Service Providers

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Have you ever felt like you've stumbled into a parallel universe when dealing with customer service? I recently found myself navigating the complexities of an internet service provider, and it got me thinking—what if we applied the axioms of Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory to the world of customer service? Let's dive into a story where mathematics meets the modern-day challenge of getting what you pay for.

The Paradox of Promises

Imagine you're promised a service at one price, only to be charged another. Sound familiar? It's a scenario many of us have faced. The internet service provider in question offered me their services at a certain price, only to later charge me more. It's like saying two sets are equal, yet they contain different elements. Welcome to the first axiom violation.

The Set of Customer Discontent

TheZermelo-Fraenkel set theory states that a set cannot be a member of itself. Yet, the internet company claimed their entire set of offerings was the same as a single option within that set. This is where the second axiom takes a hit. It's like saying a single apple is the same as a basket full of apples—clearly, something doesn't add up.

The Subset of Frustration

When I asked if I could modify the offer to exclude the router, I was met with a resounding "No." This violates the third axiom, which states that you can create subsets from elements of a set. It seems that in the world of internet service providers, subsets are as elusive as a promise that's actually kept.

The Bundling Conundrum

Internet companies excel at what they call "bundling," combining existing sets into new ones. This is the fifth axiom in action, but it often leaves customers feeling like they're being forced into a package they don't want. It's like being offered a pizza with toppings you dislike, with no option to remove them.

Infinity and Beyond

The seventh axiom, the axiom of infinity, is often violated by both mathematics and telecommunication companies. While infinity is a theoretical concept in mathematics, in the real world, no company can offer an infinite amount of anything. Yet, the lack of customer service sometimes feels infinite.

The Power Set of Possibilities

The company's offer for $45 included internet for $40 and a router for $5. But when I asked if I could return the router, I was met with confusion. The possible service combinations should include all subsets, or the power set. This is where the fourth and eighth axioms are violated, as the company failed to recognize the full range of possible combinations.

The Final Axiom

The ninth axiom, the schema of specification, is perhaps the most violated by telecommunications companies. It's the idea that you can specify exactly what you want, but in reality, you're often forced into a one-size-fits-all package.

A Light at the End of the Tunnel

Despite the violations, I found a glimmer of hope. I asked if I could return the router, and the representative said, "I can't tell you you can't do that." It's a small victory, but it shows that even in a world where axioms are broken, logic and reason can still prevail.

So, the next time you find yourself in a customer service quagmire, remember the axioms of Zermelo-Fraenkel set theory. They might just help you navigate the maze of modern service providers. And if you're looking for a bit of mathematical humor, check out "How Not To Be Wrong" by Jordan Ellenberg, available on Audible. Because sometimes, the only way to make sense of the nonsensical is through a little bit of laughter and a lot of math.

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