My Alexa is guessing things about me — and it's getting weird
A journalist explores the unsettling nature of AI assistants like Amazon's Alexa, which use data inference to predict personal details and shopping habits. The piece highlights the growing privacy concerns as AI agents integrate deeper into daily routines.
Why it matters
It reflects the broader societal anxiety regarding data privacy and the 'creepy' factor of predictive AI in consumer smart devices.
Corrie Aune for BI My relationship with Amazon Alexa is at a breaking point. I want to keep things professional: "Alexa, set a 5-minute timer," I tell her. "Turn off the living room lights." She, an AI assistant in which Amazon has invested tens of billions of dollars, wants to connect on a deeper level, uncovering my personal interests, shopping habits, and getting to know the real Dan . As a relatively private and paranoid journalist, I've tried to keep Alexa — and all tech companies — at arm's length. She's sussed out private details like my favorite movies and underwear preferences anyway. She's clearly wormed her way into my routine enough that I refer to her as "she" instead of "it."
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in