AI Intrusion

Dear Suze, My iPad just alerted me that Gemini Apps, an AI Google service has been added without my permission for 48 hours and recommends I keep the setting “on” so my chats pick up from where I left off “and helps improve Google services, including AI models.” Why the fuck is AI taking over my computer?

Dear Used and Abused, AI is everywhere and national and international regulations and laws are not ready to deal with safeguarding the consumer. To prevent Gemini pop-ups, go to Settings ➡️ Apps ➡️ Default Apps ➡️ Digital assistant app. Tap on Device/digital assistant app, and select None or Google Assistant (instead of Gemini). One disabled robot at a time. Power to the people. -SQ

CAN Old Dogs Learn New Tricks: Anchoring Bias

Dear SQ, My husband and I have young children and have decided to buy our first dog. He can’t let go of the idea of a chihuahua, remembering his sister who raved about her "chi-chi." I’ve read they can be aggressive to people and other dogs, snapping when threatened. My husband thinks they’re friendly if raised right. 

Dear Mom, Because your husband keeps reverting to this breed, despite your information that the dog could be dangerous to your children, is a sign that something else is going on. Perhaps he’s overly influenced by the first piece of information he heard -the praise of a chihuahua from his sister, which is termed an “anchoring bias." This dog breed became "anchored" as the correct and only choice. Allowing the first random piece of information to act as the ultimate answer often leads to wrong choices, possibly this one. Trick is, acknowledge his anchor, that this dog is great, but not for your family. Insist on considering other breeds that loves children, not "ankle biters" that threaten to hurt them.  -SQ

Hic Sunt Dracones (Here be Dragons): Part 2, p. 423-424

 

"While sexbots are already here and will continue to evolve, the simple truth is that we are 100 percent human and we are 100 percent complex, social creatures who are also evolving. We survived other species and tribes by cultivating trust, intimacy, friendship, cooperation, curiosity, and love. These things cannot be equally replicated with machine-learned algorithms. When we stare into the eyes of a potential mate, the hormones flow, the synapses spark, and the imagination spins. Eyes of glass and breasts without hearts cannot transmit empathy, the glue that holds us together, any more than a silicone body can substitute indefinitely for the unique, imperfect entity we call human. But, as we solve some of these problems and new ones emerge, keep your eye on the dragons for they know where the dangers lie. 

I hope this little thought exercise was entertaining and you'll enjoy the rest of my debut novel, available on Amazon, Cyber Frogs And Princes: A Sex Manual Of On-Line Dating After 50 by Suze Q.  Cheers, S.Q

Mismatched Sense Of Humor

Dear S. Q. My sometimes girlfriend thinks we should see a relationship counselor because we have mismatched humor styles. She’s very much a girly-girl (fashion, extravert, and social media butterfly) and laughs at anything, I’m an engineer who’s pretty squared-away although I like a good intellectual mind-bender. She brings out my energy and I love her, but seeing a counselor? How will that help? 

Dear No Joke, Similar sense of humor maybe the least of your problems. Are your true connections to others mainly intellectually and her’s social? A relationship counselor could delve beyond the humor differences and reveal other problems or common connections. Do you really want to look deeply at yourself and your relationship? Only go if you’re willing to do the hard work of self-insight. -SQ

Signal For Help

Dear Suze, I knew a newly married friend with a controlling husband who used a 3-part hand-signal, an open palm facing her friend, tucked her thumb into the palm, and closed her 4 fingers over her thumb. I know this is a sign she’s being abused. What to do? 

Dear Concerned, Without knowing anything further, it’s easy to think the worst, like her life was in immediate danger. And you might be right. The Signal for Help was created in 2020 by the Canadian Women's Foundation as a single continuous hand movement of three-parts, (rather than a sign held in one position), so that the gesture was easily visible, and the message clearly sent was, "reach out to me safely." NOT a request to call emergency services. Hopefully, this will become a universal signal. -SQ

NomiAI companion

Dear Suze Q. My sister is moving out of state to college and she’s worried she won’t make friends because she’s so shy. Some assure her she’ll be fine, others suggest a journal, watch movies, text often. I was thinking of giving her a 4-month subscription to Nomi.ai (about $65) so she could have fun creating and having a A.I. friend. Is this stupid?

Dear Bro, What a terrific novel idea! There are several apps and companies dabbling in this new field, some specializing in areas like emotional support. Read reviews so you get a feel for the range of options and the hidden problems. NomiAI has a free version on Google Play your sis should try (as do other companies) before buying. Maybe do this free trial as a brother-sister project together before she leaves, so the AI will become an ongoing bond and topic the two of you can always talk about, and troubleshoot as needed. -SQ

Manners v Etiquette

Dear Readers, You want that extra edge in life so let’s get etiquette-educated. A common question is what’s the difference between manners and etiquette? Answer: Slight, but critical. Like between coal and a diamond. Etiquette is ingrained in a person’s personality, it is a way of living. Manners are tools you pull out as needed and guide everyday actions, -eat with your mouth closed. Etiquette is a step above, it adds finesse -the specific rules for specific situations (knowing which utensil to use in a formal dinner setting; dances well, at least basic moves; listen with interest, full attention and eye contact). Overall, etiquette's goals are to make others feel valued and respected (from the waitstaff to the CEO), is honest, and keeps confidences. 

Above all, do no harm. For further info, the internet has great articles for what is a gentleman or gentlewoman. I highly recommend reading, or giving to a favorite person, Ethan Hawke's small but powerful book, Rules For A Knight. -SQ