AI

Artificial Intelligence…AI…is easing us into complacency. It started innocently enough with remote controls for t.v.s Remember what a pain in the neck it was to get up every time you wanted to change the channel? We were thrilled.

Next up was remote unlocking devices for our cars; these were especially handy for those who forgot where they’d parked: just hit the alarm!! Still thrilled.

Then self-propelled vacuums; self-driving cars; ‘smart’ appliances; and then I-phones. Yikes. I won’t allow Alexa into my home, that little spy. But my phone is keeping track of me anyway. (To those of you afraid of a vaccine that may have a chip? HAH Who needs a chip to keep track of you???) Less thrilled; a bit nervous.

So here’s what set me off: Don took the new car to the bank the other day. My phone stayed at home with me, but apparently the car and phone have a symbiotic relationship even when apart, as a quick chirp told me that my car was now on its way home and had only 1.6 miles to go. Now I’m a lot nervous.

Where will this end? I think we all know. There are enough science fiction movies to give us a heads up. But are we paying attention? Do we love the conveniences so much we’re willing to ignore the peril of big brother everywhere???

What will the world of our great grandchildren look like? Should we all re-read 1984?