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Tech

The One Thing You Should Never Say When Talking To Siri On Your iPhone

November 19, 2018 by Justine Schwartz
shefinds | Tech
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Voice control has made life easier in so many ways. You can send texts, order on Amazon, even change the temperature in your home all without lifting one finger.

We already know there are some scary downsides to having voice controlled devices in your home, and now we bring more caveats in the way of this modern technology: mainly, what you should NEVER ask your devices (and not just because you’re not going to like the answer).

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"Illustration explaining how voice control works"

How Does Siri Work?

To start, let's address how Siri works. Voice control software, like Siri on your iPhone, Alexa on Amazon Echo and Dot, and OK Google on Android allow you to make commands or ask questions, and then take some action depending on the context. For example, you can Alexa what the weather is and based on your settings, she can give you an accurate forecast. Siri can call and text contacts in your phone. You can also ask questions like you would search the web, teach these devices tricks (like "Tell a joke") and sync them with your Nest home devices to control everything from the thermostat to the locks on your doors. Their full capabalities are uncanny (the typical person uses less than 50% of them).

"Siri displaying a response to a medical question"

Questions You Should Never Ask Siri, Alexa Or Google

Don't ask her medical questions. Researchers in Wellington, New Zealand discovered that Google's online search engine gives more accurate sexual health questions than smart phone digital assistants like Siri. A study at the University of California San Francisco confirmed the same: Siri gives terrible medical answers.

If you have a sensitive health question that you actually want an accurate answer for, open your computer and type it into Google. If you want to LOL, try Siri for some amusingly wrong answers. Or, better yet, consult with your primary care physician. We're talking about your health, people! You can never be too careful.

So, there you have it--the one thing you should never ask Siri or Alexa if you want an accurate answer.

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Author:

Editorial Director

Justine Schwartz is a veteran women's lifestyle editor; she's written extensively about style & beauty tips, health advice and wedding planning. Her work has appeared in New York Magazine, Huffington Post and New York Weddings. Justine has been with SheFinds since 2010; you can reach her via email at Justine@shefinds.com.

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Galaxy Note Android phone with a sleek design.
Close-up of hands interacting with iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Man proudly holding an iPhone in a casual pose.
Google Pixel 8 showcasing various apps on its screen.
iPhone settings showing low battery warning screen
Close-up of a person holding an iPhone 17.
Hands checking notifications on a smartphone.
Close-up of iPhone screen displaying battery statistics.
Individual holding an iPhone outdoors.
iPhone connected to a charger on a table.
iPhone 17 in its sleek packaging on a table
Hand holding the iPhone 17 Pro against a blurred background.
Person using iPhone outdoors in natural sunlight
Samsung Galaxy S26 displayed on a stylish surface
iPhone 15 displayed on a stylish table setting.
Close-up of male hands using the iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Close-up of Samsung Galaxy Note highlighting its advanced technology and functionality.
Person holding a Galaxy S24 smartphone outdoors.
Samsung Galaxy S22 smartphone showcasing sleek design and features
Person holding iPhone 17 showcasing its sleek design.
Galaxy Note Android phone with a sleek design.
Close-up of hands interacting with iPhone 17 Pro Max.
Man proudly holding an iPhone in a casual pose.
Google Pixel 8 showcasing various apps on its screen.
iPhone settings showing low battery warning screen
Close-up of a person holding an iPhone 17.
Hands checking notifications on a smartphone.
Close-up of iPhone screen displaying battery statistics.
Individual holding an iPhone outdoors.
iPhone connected to a charger on a table.