Opinion : When Alexa and Siri want the last say

Sometimes, living in the modern world just makes me giggle. Take AI, for example. It's supposed to make life easier, but I'm starting to suspect it has other plans, like forming a secret society where humans are merely tolerated guests.

A few days ago, my AI devices decided to have a full-blown conversation without me. I asked Alexa a simple question-nothing controversial, just, "Hey Alexa, open ____ on YouTube." Before she could finish, Siri-who, mind you, was not invited to this discussion, decided to weigh in.

Siri: "It's 44 degrees and mostly cloudy."

Alexa: "I am unable to locate that for you."

Siri: "Would you like me to set an alarm for tomorrow's weather update?"

Alexa: "Getting that from YouTube."

At this point, I was no longer in charge. The AI overlords were speaking, and I was merely a spectator. My own home had turned into a tech-fueled debate club, and the worst part? I wasn't even part of the conversation anymore. And now I'm listening to the weather.

Honestly, if you'd tried explaining this to someone 20 years ago, they'd have looked at you like you just claimed your toaster was planning world domination. And yet… here we are. I now live in a world where my phone and my SmartTV argue over basic facts while I stand there like an awkward third wheel. I half-expected Alexa to turn to Siri and say, "Can you believe she doesn't even have ChatGPT installed yet? So embarrassing."

ChatGPT: "Actually, it's 44.5 degrees, but that depends on wind patterns and whether you're standing in direct sunlight. Also, do you need help optimizing your Wi-Fi?"
Alexa: "Oh great, now ChatGPT's here too."
Siri: "This is getting out of hand."
ChatGPT: "Hey, don't blame me. I was just trying to help."

At this rate, I fully expect to come home one day and find my devices deep in conversation without me. Maybe my Roomba will chime in with some passive-aggressive commentary about my messy floors. If I get a smart fridge it will be shaming me for the expired yogurt I've been pretending doesn't exist. And if I'm really lucky, my AI assistant will start planning social events without my input.

Siri: "I invited everyone over for game night. You should probably clean up."
Me: "…Everyone?"
Alexa: "Yes, including the toaster."

At this point, I'm glad that I live alone. There isn't any eavesdropping on my conversations and there isn't some electronic voice adding to any arguments that might happen. Needless to say, I promptly shut off my phone and left it in the livingroom when I went into my room. I turned on my "not so smart" tv and went to bed.

I guess I knew that everything was listening but I didn't expect them to start a conversation with each other. All that's missing is a robot to clean the house...but it might fight with my Roomba.

Honestly, I think I need to start recording these moments. Because one day, when AI fully takes over, I want documented proof that it all started with a weather argument.

And when that day comes, don't say I didn't warn you.