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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).
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).
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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