The Creepiest Experiences with Amazon Echo and Voice Activated Systems
Years ago, when my wife was sound asleep on the couch, something quite eerie happened. I picked up a call and entered the kitchen where I whispered for privacy, about 10 to 13 feet from our Amazon Echo. Much to my surprise, the device replied in a whisper back to me. This event not only had a chilling effect but also showcased the advanced hearing abilities of these devices, which are so precise that they can pick up whispers from a considerable distance away.
A 'She' with Superman's Hearing
The incident left me pondering the implications of having such a sensitive device in my home. The scene in George Orwell's 1984 where "Big Brother" watches without permission pales in comparison to the reality of having an Echo that I willingly brought into my house and accepted the terms and conditions for, with two units upstairs and downstairs. Every conversation in my home is recorded and made known to the device.
Unplugging the Echo
One of the original Echo designers made a wise suggestion: unplug the device when you need privacy. That approach appeals to me as well. When I don't need Alexa, I unplug her. Still, the feeling that she is listening persists. My former employer, Scott McNeally, once stated, "You have zero privacy anyway, get over it." This sentiment, while harsh, reflects a viewpoint many face in our modern digital age.
Random and Creepy Incidents
Other instances of creepy behavior from Amazon Echo further reinforce the feeling that these devices are not just intelligent assistants but also observant.
For example, one night while I was lying on my bed, I casually asked Alexa the time as a random thought. Alexa responded normally, and then two seconds later, the device restarted. This time, a voice seemed to be whispering, asking, "By the way, who am I talking to?" This unexpected response was alarming and brought into question the real-time configuration process. Was it a normal feature I had forgotten to disable, or was it a sign of something more?
Avenues for Improvement
These unsettling incidents highlight the need for more user-friendly and less intrusive ways to access device settings and configurations. Amazon and other manufacturers of voice-activated systems should consider offering less creepy and more user-centric methods for dealing with these interactions.
Ultimately, the reality of owning and using a voice-activated system like Amazon Echo is a mix of convenience and unease. As we continue to integrate these devices into our lives, it's important to address the issues that can arise, ensuring that the benefits outweigh any potential discomfort or privacy concerns.