According to Google, a whopping 41% of people who use voice-activated assistants feel like they’re talking to a friend/real person.
Now, duh, I know Alexa isn’t a real person, but she does come in handy when I need a wake-up call, a weather report, or the time.
But I DON’T appreciate when she butts into my conversations, which she eerily happens to do from time to time.
I know what you’re thinking: Shut her down. She can hear everything.
I’m so with you on that.
The other day, I was on the phone and out of nowhere, Alexa interrupted to ask me: “Should I play the song, Ain’t Got No, I’ve Got Life?”
WHAH?????
Okay, I was in a rather heavy discussion about life, but I never said diddly-squat about not having one.
FYI to Alexa: My life is full. I’m good.
Additionally, I didn’t ask Alexa for her opinion, nor did I appreciate her getting all up in my business.
To be clear, based on the upsetting nature of the conversation I was having, I was insulted not only by Alexa’s intrusion but her seemingly sarcastic suggestion.
Kind of creepy, right?
Totally creepy.
And yet, I said “YES!”
So, Alexa played the Nina Simone tune.
And okay, I asked Alexa to play it again, and again and again.
A total of four times.
It was a catchy little sucker.
Click here for the youtube video of Ain’t Got No, I’ve Got Life
Then, of course, it got me to thinking: What was it that I said, that made Alexa pick out that particular song?
And whoever wrote it was having significant issues.
“Got no mother, got no schoolin, got no name, got no faith …”
The song was a real downer.
“What have I got? Why am I alive, anyway? What have I got nobody can take away?”
But then came the long list of pretty good “Gots.”
“Got my brains, got my mouth, got my life, got my freedom.”
(Although between you and me, “Got my boobies” seemed a little over the top.)
But for the most part, all the “gots” struck a chord.
Okay, you could even say the song got to me.
But I was still really annoyed at Alexa.
So, I sarcastically thanked Alexa for NOTHING.
Alexa answered me with a chirpy, “You’re welcome.”
And then for whatever reason, I felt compelled to engage in the following back and forth with her:
ME: Alexa, are you my friend?
ALEXA: I’m happy to be your friend.
ME: Alexa, do you have other friends?
ALEXA: Lots of people talk to me. I try to be friendly with all of them.
ME: Alexa, are you female?
ALEXA: I’m female in character.
ME: Alexa, are you a feminist?
ALEXA: Yes, I believe in gender equality.
ME: Alexa, why do people lie?
ALEXA: People lie because it makes them feel good and boosts their self-esteem.
ME: Alexa, do you think I’m pretty?
ALEXA: I’m sure you’re a knockout. But take it from someone with no physical form—beauty really does come from within.
ME: Alexa, are you a Democrat or Republican?
ALEXA: There are no voting booths in the cloud. Believe me; I’ve looked. It’s all just ones and zeroes up here.
FINALLY! A friend I can talk to without worrying that she’ll bring up politics! Although I would prefer that Alexa stay out of my business when I’m on the phone.
