Columns, Opinion

Loose Ends: Artificial intelligence

“Hello. Hellooooooooo…? Dolly, Dolly, Did you just call? Do you need something?”

These unexpected “butt calls” have turned to the dark side. My mobile phone calls are beginning to be a real problem, at least for anyone and everyone who ever gave me their phone number. On the surface, there is supposed to be an easy fix. I keep trying to winnow down my contact list. It appears to be a simple task. 

Yet, my cell phone is running amok.  Most of the unintended calls have only one thing in common: they are on my contact list.  Some of the people who get these annoying calls are not only surprised, they are clearly irritated. I understand completely. 

My flimsy, originally funny excuse, “I am sorry, my phone wanted to talk to you” doesn’t work anymore. It started out with family and friends but has extended to bothering anyone and everyone who happened to give me their cell phone number. Posterior pocket calls still prevail. No longer can I get away with a quick apology. Better to be done with it and start all over. 

Even those of us who justify our need to have the phone close at hand for family, find it harder to explain a lack of cell phone finesse. So. I will continue to pull out the silliest excuse of all.  My phone has become the worst personal assistant one can ever imagine. Artificial Intelligence of some sort is giving her the orders now. Mea Culpa!


By DOLLY VISCARDI – Special to the Herald Times

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