AITA for not wanting to split the cost of my new laptop?
In a bustling college library study room, the air was thick with the hum of group work and the faint scent of coffee. A young woman, deep in her studies, had her world turned upside down when her friends’ horseplay sent her laptop crashing to the floor. The screen shattered, along with her budget’s hopes. Devastated but composed, she stepped out to cool off, only to return to a bizarre proposal: a lottery system where she might end up footing half—or all—of the replacement cost. Was she wrong to call it unfair?
The Reddit community didn’t think so, rallying behind her with fiery takes. Her friends’ refusal to fully own up to their mistake sparked a heated debate about responsibility and friendship. The story unfolds with a mix of frustration, loyalty, and a touch of absurdity, as the group’s “solution” left jaws dropping. What would you do when friends dodge accountability for their chaos? Let’s dive into this relatable tale of broken tech and strained bonds, exploring the drama and the lessons it holds.
‘AITA for not wanting to split the cost of my new laptop?’
This laptop-smashing saga is a classic case of accountability gone awry. The Reddit user’s frustration is palpable—her friends’ carelessness cost her a vital tool, yet they pushed a bizarre lottery system to split the bill. The two friends who caused the damage argued it wasn’t entirely their fault, while the OP felt burdened as the victim. The situation highlights a common issue in group dynamics: diffused responsibility. When no one steps up, the blame gets shuffled, leaving the innocent to pick up the pieces.
This scenario reflects a broader social issue—how people handle shared responsibility. According to a 2019 study by the American Psychological Association, group settings can lead to “diffusion of responsibility,” where individuals feel less accountable for collective mistakes (apa.org). Here, the friends’ lottery idea seems like a creative dodge, but it unfairly places the OP at risk of paying for their error. It’s a subtle power play, masking guilt as fairness.
Dr. John Gottman, a renowned psychologist, notes, “Trust is built in very small moments, when people choose to prioritize others’ needs” (gottman.com). In this case, the friends’ refusal to fully own their mistake risks eroding trust. Their proposal suggests a lack of empathy, prioritizing their wallets over the OP’s loss. A true friend would step up, not gamble with someone else’s livelihood.
Advice: The OP should firmly request the two responsible friends to split the full replacement cost, citing their direct role in the incident. If they resist, she could explore small claims court or campus mediation services. To maintain friendships, she might propose a payment plan to ease their burden while ensuring fairness. Open communication about her financial constraints could also shift their perspective, fostering empathy over defensiveness.
Check out how the community responded:
The Reddit community didn’t hold back, serving up a spicy mix of support and shade for the OP’s friends. Here are their candid takes:
![[Reddit User] − No, no, no, never. NTA It's their fault it got destroyed. You shouldn't be paying a _dime._ Put your foot down. They're trying to set their arses off easy. Don't let them. It's not a friendship worth much if they can't own up to their shite. Actions have consequences, and that means reimbursing you.. Edit: a word](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/262848cmt-05.png)
![[Reddit User] − although if she pulled my number I’d be getting stuck for both halves in this system) I said this didn’t feel fair. NTA, your friends are both assholes and stupid. I also wonder if the game would have been rigged somehow. Be firm, the two people who broke it are to split it 50/50.](https://en.aubtu.biz/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/262848cmt-09.png)
These hot takes from Reddit are bold, but do they hit the mark? The crowd’s near-unanimous support for the OP suggests a clear moral line—those who break it, pay for it. Yet, the friends’ perspective as cash-strapped students adds a layer of complexity. Is their lottery idea a clumsy attempt at fairness or a sly dodge? The debate rages on.
This laptop debacle is a relatable mess of friendship, responsibility, and fairness. The OP’s stand against an unfair payment plan resonates with anyone who’s been stuck cleaning up someone else’s mess. It’s a reminder that true friends own their mistakes, not shuffle them onto others. What would you do if your friends broke your stuff and tried to split the bill? Share your thoughts and experiences—let’s spark a lively discussion!
