During the month of August, my husband Thom and I are renting a home in the mountains about an hour from our primary home in the desert southwest. This is our first year in this particular dwelling and it has a number of features to enjoy like good wifi (of course!), a large wraparound deck looking through the trees, and a hot tub. One of the unexpected amenities is Alexa. Have you met her? On the surface, Alexa seems like an amusing and helpful addition to any home. But watch out! Not only is she extremely attractive on many levels, she also adds to the many irresistible distractions that technology offers us in our current world.
We first met Alexa’s cousin Echo a couple of months ago when we visited some friends for dinner. Technically called a “digital assistant” these electronic devices have exploded on the market during the last two years. Our friends explained buying theirs as a novelty and showed us how you simply ask it to play any type of music or answer a variety of questions. I could tell Thom was intrigued, but after talking it over we decided it just wasn’t a necessary addition for our own home.
Then August 5th we arrived at the mountain home where Alexa sat innocently on a desk. As soon as Thom realized that she was an upgraded version of the Echo with a better speaker, he began plying her with requests. I’ll admit she is pretty remarkable. While Alexa doesn’t know every song we demand, her repertoire is pretty extraordinary and the sound is reasonably good. She is also quick to tell you today’s weather, keep a grocery list, tell you how many miles it is to drive to Los Angeles, and any number of trivial questions that you might be curious about. If you connect her to the right appliances she can turn on your lights, turn down the air conditioner, and connect to your television. And yes, she will even tell you a joke if you ask.
The problem is, after a couple of days I got the feeling that Alexa was taking over my peace and tranquility. While Thom and I both enjoy music playing quietly in the background throughout the day, the stopping and starting of a new artist every few minutes was annoying. And hearing Thom say, “Alexa, play such and such,” or “Alexa what time is it?” over and over, I began to fantasize about throwing her off the deck.
When I asked Thom why he found her so irresistible, he laughed and said it was nice to ask for something he wanted without her talking back! It also provides instant gratification to any request. Well almost. Alexa isn’t perfect but even then, some of the fascination is coming up with questions that she can’t answer. When you do, she says pleasantly, “Hmmm…I don’t have an answer for that.”
According to Nir Eyal the author of Hooked: How To Build Habit-Forming Products, Alexa is similar to many products specifically designed these days to hook us into continual use. By creating “sticky” technology, most products, websites, and apps have a strong intention to make customers so attracted to them that they repeatedly use them until they become a habit. While most of us might suspect that products are designed to do just that, we are naïve if we don’t realize how easily we play into their hands.
How do they do it? According to Eyal, the product is first calculated to create a trigger that prompts us into action. Think of Facebook. All the notifications we get through Facebook are triggers that our friends or trusted resources are doing something important that we need to know about. While many of those actions and announcements are frequently tedious, we still feel the need to click just in case it might actually be important.
Eyal says that while the trigger starts externally, we are the ones who then convert the trigger internally. In other words, if we begin feeling bored, lonely, or tired, we may find that we get a chemical boost from our brain when discovering what our friends are doing on Facebook. Before we know it, our internal triggers create cravings that prompt us to continually check for status updates.
Alexa triggers us in a similar way. Humans are curious beings and love to relieve the itch of uncertainty. By design, Alexa is right there willing to fulfill our demands or answer any question. Again, by flooding our brains with the pleasure of immediate gratification, the trigger goes from external to internal. Before we know it, using Alexa becomes a habit that we can’t imagine living without.
Think it can’t happen to you? According to a survey by Time.com, 84% of those asked say they could not go a day without a cell phone. Another survey says 50% of cell phone users check their phone at least once during the middle of the night. Since becoming indispensable in the last ten years, the majority of us users have become addicted to our cell phones without even realizing it.
The next step to “hook” us takes action. Eyal says, “Actions are the simplest behavior done in anticipation of relief.” Alexa makes the action step incredibly easy. By receiving immediate answers to our questions, we relieve negative emotions as well as alleviate our fear of forgetting. Alexa does this even better than Siri on our iPhones because we don’t have to pick anything up, unlock our phone, or find the app. This ease of use reinforces our attachment.
The third step to becoming hooked is the actual reward we receive. Most humans are wired to receive a chemical boost whenever we encounter something new and different that we find pleasing, helpful or safe. Perhaps our ancestors felt something similar when hunting for dinner. Alexa is purposely designed to surprise, delight or comfort us with her answers. Certain types of questions show her “personality,” and before long the reward of using Alexa feels intriguingly close to talking to a real person—a compliant one at that!
The final step to creating a hook is an investment. Chances are good that the more you use something, the more you find ways to use it. Think of Facebook. The more friends you have and the more pages you like, the more interesting and varied the items are on your newsfeed. Research shows that the more you comment and like things, the more pleasure you report from using it. Plus, Facebook continues to develop different apps and aspects to the site all designed to keep you curious and engaged.
Alexa is the same. According to Voicebot, Alexa now has over 17,000 “skills” in the U.S. The top eight skills that people are using her for today are:
- Set timer
- Play songs
- Read news
- Set alarm
- Check the time
- Tell a joke
- Control the lights
- Add to shopping list
But get ready. A big part of solidifying the “investment” being offered to “hook” us is continuing to offer new and even better tasks for Alexa. Voicebot also predicts that while only 7% of U.S. households now own a “smart speaker” like Alexa, by just 2020, over 75% of all residences will welcome her (or someone like her) into their home.
I get the attraction. Like I mentioned above I love technology and I can see the many advantages of Alexa. However, we must continue to remind ourselves that much of our overuse of technology is due to the “hook factor” rather than real need or benefit. And like too much stuff can over-clutter our lives, the presence of too much technology can also lead to keeping us so busy and distracted that we forget about things that add true value to our lives.
Does it matter? It should matter to all of us. The more addicted or hooked we become to our iPhones, our computers, or our soon-to-be digital assistants, the less we are connected to people or the planet. Why care about the outside world if every craving seems satisfied by technology? Who needs companionship when we can order Alexa around 24/7? Such addiction is not good for our physical health and definitely not good for our mental health.
Lucky for me Thom gradually began to distance himself from Alexa as days passed. We still ask her to turn on the music now and then or check for tomorrow’s weather. But her attraction dims in comparison to finding ourselves surrounded by pine and oaks trees that are older than 100, bright blue skies beckoning us outside, and long hiking trails that feed our souls and exercise our bodies. By design, Alexa will likely be a part of every one of our homes in the coming years, but the SMART approach is to remember to surround ourselves with people and experiences that make life meaningful, connected and happy. And if we are going to get hooked on anything, let’s make sure it matters.
Your turn: Do you own an Alexa or Smart-speaker? What do you like best about it? Least? Are you hooked? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Great information and facts, Kathy! Thankful Thom had some enjoyment with it. We get so much nearer to that sci-fi suitable every day! Using Alexa I consider it would be story and fun for a while, not sure I would get too applied to it, which is a great thing. Since, I have knowledgeable mild stress off and on for the previous many months, a gadget like this would add to it!
I’m a little worried about all this. How much of our privacy is being stolen with such a device? I have avoided Echo and Alexa due to my fears, and now that I see how sticky she is, I hope I never give in to the urge to buy one. Remember, even Mark Zuckerberg puts a piece of tape over the webcam eye on his laptop!
Hi Lynne! Yes, Thom reminded me of the same thing about Zuckerberg putting a piece of tape over his webcam eye too. I think it is certainly something that we all need to be aware of especially in this technological world we life in. But it’s also SMART to balance the benefits of technology with the costs. There are some people who still refuse to use a computer for all the possible “dangers,” but I also believe that we must keep up with the times to a certain extent, don’t you? Again, it’s the balance and the awareness that are so critical in my opinion. And there is nothing that “ages” a person as refusing to learn, grow and adapt, right? So who knows what we might feel the urge to do in the long run! Thanks for your thoughts on this. ~Kathy
I actually have an Echo Dot in my bedroom. I thnk the thing is that just like my electric mixer or three thousand dollar sewing machine, they are tools. And we control them, and we all need different tools. I absolutely adore my echo dot and would not get rid of it. But I dont use it for appliances as such like that. Mine is mainly an music alarm I guess , since I cannto sleep with a glowing alarm clock in my room. And you can make play lists of music much cheaper than on Itunes. So I use mine to play music, to play music at bedtime and then shut off after an hour, to give me the morning news and weather and that’s about it. Oh yes, I use it to play meditation sounds twice a day. Other than that..it doesnt see much use during my daytime hours. And yes, while it is fun to make it play a single esoteric song on occasion, I severely limit other uses.
Having said all that, my daughter recently purchased a home where as part of the incentive the seller gave her three years of his “smart home” security (the smoke detector and CO detector are hard wired into the system) and since Alexa is connected, it has been abe to tell them why the alarm went off in the middle of the night (batteries vs an issue for example)
Kathy, please forgive me, but when you get a chance can you change the URL on my blog in your “blogs to visit” post or anywhere else you may have it from frugaltexasgal.com to Richlyretired.blogspot.com? the former is out there somewhere………….where, not even the blogger and google gods seem to now.
Maybe time to move to wordpress, since I do own the url that is thename of my blog and then migrate. Happy vacation!
Hi Barb! Thank you for speaking out about the benefits of a Smart Speaker. As I’ve said before, we all need to balance the benefits (and yes there are some and more growing every day) against the awareness of what’s important to each of us. And naturally, no one can decide that except ourselves. I can’t help but believe that we are just standing at the edge of something that is going to grow and grow, so being mindful early on can only help right?
And no worries. Thanks for letting me know about the name change. I will change out your current blog name for the old one right away. And yes to switching to WordPress. It is pretty easy once you get the hang of it, just like most of this stuff right? Good luck. ~Kathy
Yeah for Thom! I knew that he would become less interested in Alexa when the novelty wore off. As the list of her current skills does not overly appeal to me (or I am happy to do myself), I have no current desire to own a similar device. But if she ever effectively learns to proofread blogs…I’m totally IN!
Hi Donna! Yes Thom has fully recovered! Thankfully it would take more than a temporary attraction to lure him away after all these years. But I couldn’t resist using this title to get everyone’s attention. 🙂 And YES! If they get her to proof read I am definitely going to buy one myself. ~Kathy
I have to admit that I’m one of those who just doesn’t “get” those devices. I’ve had a smart phone for several years but have never even used Siri as intended. Maybe I’m missing something, but my concern (some may say paranoia) about those devices listening in outweighs any benefit that I can see.
Hi Janis! Oh yes, thanks for bringing up that issue about “privacy.” I didn’t go into in this blog but there has been some question about how “private” they are. Just like any device connected to wifi or even through our phone provider, there is the possibility that the connection could go in either direction–not just us calling out or using the computer–so it is wise to keep that in mind. There is a button on Alexa to “disconnect her,” but just like with the camera on our computers, if we don’t stay aware then it is always possible that we are being listened to or watched. I’m not particularly worried, but it is ALWAYS SMART to stay conscious about this. Thanks for bringing that up. ~Kathy
This post could have been just that Thom was being seduced by Alexa but you being informative you went on to explain all the reasons why we all can be or are seduced by Alexa and her ilk!
I am slow to jump into the latest technology but I can certainly see the advantage of asking Alexa instead of trying to find your phone or go to your computer especially if your hands are busy!
Hi Haralee! You caught me. I couldn’t help coming up with a catchy title to talk about something that is making big progress these days. Not only are marketers working very diligently to come up with this stuff–they know the attraction is something that many of us will find irresistible, at least for a while. And yes, who doesn’t often wish we had someone easily available to answer our questions! ~Kathy
I don’t have a smart speaker like Alexa. Reading this post, the film came to mind where ScarJo played a digital ‘voice’ that a man falls in love with. Was it called ‘Her’? Anyway, kind of a bizarre film and perhaps not far off in our future. I’m glad to hear Thom’s infatuation wore off after a while—LOL. I agree with you that these things are novel but distract us from what really matters in life—silence. Great post, Cathy!
Hi Lisa! Yes, good catch. The movie was named “Her” and I think it was a preview of what will be coming in the days ahead. As usual, the “balanced” and SMART view is to find the middle road and stay awake and aware. Thanks for your thoughts. ~Kathy
Great information, Kathy! Glad Thom had some fun with it. We get so much closer to that sci-fi ideal every day! Using Alexa I think it would be novel and fun for a while, not sure I would get too used to it, which is a good thing. Sine I have experienced mild anxiety off and on for the past several months, a device like this would add to it!
Hi Terri! You’re right. Some things can trigger us in negative ways as long as we are self-aware right? I think it will be really interesting to see how these all develop in the future. If they continue to integrate them into more and more products they will have more of a practical use. When that happens, who knows? But as you point out, we still have to balance them with our own needs and personality in order to determine if they belong in our house. Thanks for those thoughts. ~Kathy
Thanks, Kathy. I don’t need it….yet.
Hi Tisha! Good for you! But who knows in the future right? If I could get it to make coffee for me in the morning I would be tempted!!! ~Kathy
Yes our addiction to technology. I think I know who you visited and first heard Alexa:) Fortunately the novelty wore off and now she is still helpful, particularly when cooking or when my hands are full. Yes there is the “hook” and anticipation of relief. Our friend’s son is on the autism spectrum and has become MORE communicative as a result of using Alexa. He loves interacting with her and feels free to ask her anything without shame or embarrassment. I know another shut-in senior who used to live alone, and now he feels less lonely since “she” is always there, polite and helpful. That being said, I agree Kathy, watching the squirrel and just sitting still, meditating and letting my mind wander are still wonderful parts of life.
Hi Gary! Thank you so much for adding some of the positive benefits that Alexa can provide. And yes, you KNOW you were the ones to introduce us to her/them in the first place. Like so many aspects of technology, there are real benefits to be found. It just remains our responsibility to keep them in balance right? And as a fellow meditator, you know that stillness and silence is a real key to a SMART Life. Thanks for sharing and enjoy the rest of your vacation! ~Kathy
You do know that robots are being built right now that will be offered as sexbots? Then what are you going to do? Wait for that fascination to be over with also?
I hate to break this to you, but Siri already does more than whatever Alexa and the other copy cats can do. It’s just another marketing trap designed to make you waste your money. Isn’t it coincidental that all these robots have female names & voices? More female degrading, if you ask me. And we women allow these things to happen?
If my husband ever gave me an answer like he gave you, that it’s nice having someone at his beck & call and doing his bidding, he would have gotten a slap in his face. because that’s what a male chauvinist pig deserves. And to make it worse, you allowed it.
As for my iPhone and Siri, I have changed the voice to a male, with a British accent and consider him to be my butler. You can do that, you know.
Thank Apple for freeing us women from the stereotypes.
Hi Alicia! Welcome to SMART Living 365.com. I’m guessing that because this is your first comment that you haven’t been reading here long or you would know that Thom isn’t a male chauvinist pig! However he does have a sense of humor –which is a SMART quality I think everyone should appreciate!–and he is also very honest about his control issues. I am also guessing that you are not a writer because you would then know that most of us take editorial license with those we know (and love) to tell a good story. (And those that love us let us!)
And as for Alexa having a female voice, I read while doing research for this post that research was done that showed that both men AND women preferred a female voice as opposed to a male voice. But surely any female that purposely chooses a male voice that you consider your butler instead of a women’s voice could be guilty of the same chauvinism?
Thank you for pointing out that Siri is currently the #1 used virtual assistant in our country. Btu since Alexa was introduced just a couple of years ago, Siri’s usage has dropped in half while Alexa’s usage has jumped 325% (yes! 325%) in monthly active users. It will be interesting to see where all this leads and who buys what. But because the focus of SMART Living 365 is to encourage thinking and happier, healthier and more meaningful lives, it is best to remember to be as aware as possible when making these choices. Thanks for your sharing your thoughts! ~Kathy
Great topic! My husband is in love with Siri- LOL–and I swear she is more cooperative with him than with me.
Thanks for explaining some of the uses for Alexa– I have wondered just what the uses would be for us- we are pretty low tech and I doubt that many of our appliances would work with her so never really considered getting one. However, knowing about the music I could see my husband wanting one just for that purpose- and yes he would drive me bonkers with constant song requests.
I try to stay off FaceBook to avoid the time suck that always results – I have considered closing my Facebook account- but I fear that there might be certain situations where I would find myself unable to connect/ participate etc without it. This summer there was an extended family get- together and I had not been on FB for several weeks and was alerted by another family member to check in to get the details – time – place etc. (which of course were all on FB) –so I leave it open for just such situations. Otherwise, I would just like to eliminate it. Seldom do I get on FB and not feel worse afterward for a variety of reasons.
Hi Sally! hahaha! I’m not sure why but I do think the attraction for men might be more than for women. Thom never got that into Siri (thank goodness) but Alexa sure intrigued him. Fortunately, he’s grown a bit bored with the novelty so that’s tapered off considerably since we first got here. But I was sort of surprised that it even existed to be honest. I think I am reasonably tech-savvy but until we went to our friend’s houses and saw their Echo I didn’t even know they existed. Funny (and a little scary) to think how fast some things can grow–especially if the prediction of 75% of all household owning one in 3 years! I’m guessing us baby boomers and older than us people will be the last to jump on board. But I also think it is healthy to at least be mindful that such products exist and evaluate whether they can add to our lives of subtract. It sounds like you have a wonderful perspective on Facebook. Good for you! ~Kathy
I don’t own a smart-speaker. Heck, I don’t check the cell phone regularly. I think this is a first world problem, whether or not to have such technology. I think we need to clarify our wants vs needs. Like you, I think too much technology can over-clutter our lives and create distraction and busy-ness that isn’t particularly healthy. I’m reminded of what my son often says – got to go to work to make money to buy [crap] I don’t need. Like you, the attraction of this technology dims in comparison to nature and more pressing matters.
Hi Mona! I was pretty surprised at the estimate that 75% of all households will own a smart speaker by 2020 myself. But who would have guessed that in 10 years a cell phone would become so darn attractive and useful. That’s the key right? If they can tie it into making it do more things in the name of “efficiency” who knows? We just must continue to keep it in balance with what really matters, right? Hopefully (with your guidance of course) your son is waking up! ~Kathy
I’ve been reading these studies too, Kathy, about how our addiction to technology is fed. Disturbing. But it makes sense, doesn’t it. And I have to say, since seeing how this addiction works, I’ve stepped back my technology use.
Maybe it’s easier for me though, as I’m like you–I would have wanted to throw Alexa off the deck too! Love that!
Hi Susan! Good for you for paying attention and then taking steps to keep it all in check. May we all do the same. I can’t blame it all on Thom though because I did ask Alexa to tell me a couple of jokes–and while pretty corny–I still laughed. It really reminded me of how Thom used to love to get his hands on the remote control for the TV and then flip through the channels. Thank goodness we now DVR everything and he just stopped the flipping. Learning to use technology instead of having it “use us” is a real key. So far Alexa is safe 🙂 And as you can see from the photo, Kloe isn’t too sure what the fuss is about the phone or Alexa! ~Kathy
Thanks for explaining the attraction of Alexa to us—and for telling us about some of the downside as well! I use technology every day (blogs, Facebook, Twitter, cell phone, on line reading, etc) and sometimes I run out of patience with how much time it takes to keep up! But it is part of our lives, and we need to pay attention to its’ appeal, and its’ dominance! Awareness is the only way to get control!
Hi Diane! You’re welcome. I think it is good for all of us to stay aware of what is out there AND what is on the horizon in terms of technology. Like I said in the post, I think most of us (especially SMART readers) tend to be aware that any company making products today (and their marketers) are doing their best to get us to consume whatever they are selling. The stickier they can make it, the better. And of course, we all want to think these things will make things easier. And again, they do to a point. But ultimately we must remember, do we own them or do they own us. Yes to AWARENESS! Let’s keep spreading the news. ~Kathy