When it comes to life-threatening situations, relying on voice assistants might not be the wisest choice.1 A study scrutinized the abilities of various voice assistants, including Amazon Alexa, to provide essential information on CPR. The findings were disconcerting, indicating a significant lack of reliability when seeking CPR-related guidance from these AI companions.
Dr. Adam Landman, the lead author of the study, highlighted the disparities discovered when CPR-related queries were posed to different voice assistants. Shockingly, only 59% of the responses contained relevant CPR information, unveiling glaring inconsistencies and insufficiencies in their knowledge base.
The study emphasized the imperative nature of seeking professional medical assistance (calling 911) during emergencies rather than depending on voice assistants like Alexa for critical instructions like CPR. The inability of these AI devices to consistently deliver accurate and comprehensive life-saving guidance underscores their current limitations in crucial situations.
“We found that when we asked questions related to cardiopulmonary resuscitation to AI voice assistants, (the answers) really lacked relevance and even came back with inconsistencies,” Landman told CNN.
Despite these shortcomings, Dr. Landman expressed optimism about potential collaborations with tech companies to enhance the accuracy and quality of CPR instructions provided by voice assistants in the future. These endeavors might pave the way for improved emergency responses through these AI platforms.
Additionally, the NHS provides a helpful guide for those untrained in CPR, emphasizing “hands-only CPR” for bystanders. The technique involves crucial steps: placing hands on the breastbone, applying chest compressions at a specific rate, and maintaining this process until professional help arrives. These simplified steps underscore the significance of immediate action in emergencies.
What Not to Ask Alexa
While these voice assistants offer convenience, triggering certain queries might lead to unexpected outcomes.2 Delving into questions about connections to the CIA or mathematical queries like calculating pi might elicit cryptic responses or, in some cases, silence. Similarly, asking Alexa personal questions or inquiring about animal sounds might result in sassy retorts or amusing, albeit non-informative, replies.
Some inquiries might lead to eerie or unsatisfactory answers. For instance, posing questions about “Chemtrails” or complex mathematical computations like 10 to the power of 308 might elicit unsettling or exhaustive responses. Even prompting Alexa to laugh might have had unsettling implications, leading Amazon to disable the feature following reports of unexplained laughter.
In essence, while these voice assistants serve everyday needs, their reliability in crucial situations remains uncertain. When it comes to emergencies, a direct call to emergency services stands as the most dependable course of action.
Exploring the whimsical world of voice assistants often uncovers their peculiar responses to specific questions. Inquisitive minds might find themselves startled when asking about the CIA or delving into complex mathematical queries like calculating pi, leading to unexpected reactions. Similarly, questioning Alexa about personal details or animal sounds might result in humorous yet uninformative responses.
Alexa’s Curiosities that Lead to Unsettling Outcomes
Certain inquiries yield eerie or unsatisfactory answers. Asking about “Chemtrails” or intricate mathematical computations might provoke disconcerting or exhaustive responses. Even coaxing Alexa to laugh had unsettling implications, prompting Amazon to disable the feature after reports of unexplained laughter.
While these assistants offer convenience in daily interactions, their reliability in critical situations remains uncertain. In emergencies, direct contact with emergency services remains the most dependable avenue for swift action. The charm of these devices lies in their utility for everyday tasks, but their uncharted territory in sensitive situations warrants caution. While Alexa excels in day-to-day tasks and casual inquiries, caution is advised when seeking medical guidance or crucial life-saving instructions. In emergencies, relying on established emergency services remains the most reliable course of action.
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Sources
- “People warned to never ask Amazon Alexa question which could put you in dangerous situation.” Lad Bible. Claire Reid. November 2023
- “Things You Should Not Ask Alexa.” Family Handy Man. Alexa Erickson. November 3, 2023.
- “Can Siri or Alexa help with CPR?” CNN. Aug 28. 2023