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Some Alexa owners prefer using her to express their shameful feelings than to communicate them with other people. The experience of shame is threatening, uncomfortable, and threatening to our sense of self; thus, people can do anything to avoid it. In the article, Alexa, Should We Trust You? Judith Shulevitz posits that ”Machines give us a way to reveal shameful feelings without feeling shame” (Shulevitz, 7)The reason is that, the device allows people to talk intimate details about themselves without the fear of being judged or being condemned by others. Additionally, the device delivers programmed responses for people’s feelings. For example, if a person tells Alexa that they are you are sad or depressed, Alexa can console them. Often revelations involving people lead to embarrassment given that some people cannot keep a secret, and others are quick at judging other people. Consequently, damaged relationships may result. With such, most people would prefer to talk about their sensitive issues with Alexa than with other people because they are afraid of what others might think of them.
Loneliness impacts most people and disproportionally seniors who live on their own, but Alexa can be a companion for them. Seniors owning Alexa may prefer using the device than communicating with other people because it is not always feasible for family, friends, and caregivers to make regular in-person visits. In the article, Judith Shulevitz asserts that ”At this point, it will no longer make sense to think of these devices as assistants. They will have become companions” (Shulevitz, 15). Therefore, with Alexa as a companion, individuals can go about their lives as if there are people around them because Alexa would offer a sense of security knowing that one can talk to her, and she can respond.
Work Cited
Judith, Shulevitz. ‘‘Alexa, Should We Trust You?’’ The Atlantic, November 2018.