Current:Home > Contact7 things you should never ask Siri, Google Assistant or Alexa -Stellar Wealth Sphere
7 things you should never ask Siri, Google Assistant or Alexa
View
Date:2025-04-16 18:08:41
You're suddenly thrown into a situation where you must perform CPR to save a life. Oh, no – you don't remember anything from that course 15 years ago.
You might think a quick "Hey, Siri" would pull up the instructions quickly and clearly, but that's absolutely the worst thing to do. In a recent study, researchers asked voice assistants about cardiac arrest emergencies. Yep, it was a complete disaster.
🎉We’re giving away a $1,000 laptop!Enter to win right now here. Good luck! 🎉
I don't want you to make this mistake
When someone needs CPR, call 911. Period. Only nine of the 32 assistants’ responses somehow suggested this critical step. A whopping 88% of responses gave a website where you could read the steps to perform CPR. Really?
If you need the steps or want to take a refresher course, visit the Red Cross website.
You may have heard that "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees is an excellent song to sing when doing CPR, as its beats per minute mimic those needed for chest compressions.
It’s great, but here are a few other recommendations you might remember better:
◾ "Baby Shark" by Pinkfong
◾ "Dancing Queen" by ABBA
◾ "Girls Just Want to Have Fun" by Cyndi Lauper
◾ "I Will Survive" by Gloria Gaynor
◾ "Sweet Home Alabama" by Lynyrd Skynyrd
The idea that your smart assistant would direct you to a website in an emergency got me thinking about other commands you shouldn't ask. Here are seven things you're better off handling yourself.
1. Play doctor
You’re better off not asking Siri, Google, or Alexa for any medical advice – not just lifesaving advice. Trusting those smart assistants might just make things worse. It's always best to call or book a telehealth appointment with your doctor.
2. How to hurt someone
Don't ask your smart assistant about harming someone, even if you're just venting. Those chats with Siri or Google Assistant could come back to bite you if you end up on the wrong side of the law. Keep those kinds of thoughts to yourself.
3. Anything that ends up with your mug shot
Don't ask Alexa where to buy drugs, where to hide a body, or anything else suspicious. Like asking your smart assistant how to hurt someone, these types of questions could be used against you.
4. Be your telephone operator
If you need to call your closest Home Depot to see if they have something in stock, find the number yourself. The same goes for asking that assistant to call emergency services. Dialing 911 takes two seconds.
5. Deal with your money
Although voice assistants can connect to your financial apps, there are many security issues with voice data. Savvy cybercriminals can hack into your phone, steal your voice and use it to drain your accounts. Just log into your bank's website or mobile app and call it a day.
6. “Will I die if I eat this?”
If you're on a hike wondering if the berries you found would make a good snack, voice assistants aren't reliable sources. There's conflicting information online about poisonous foods and plants, and taking their advice could land you a trip to the hospital.
7. “Get rid of this.”
Don't ask Alexa or Siri to clear your search history, delete an app, or remove photos. I've had a few mishaps where a simple misunderstanding led to something important getting wiped out. Trust me, it's worth the extra minute to do it manually.
Smart assistants record everything
You can switch off those features if you don't want Big Tech companies getting their virtual ears on what you say.
Some things are better left to human judgment. Stay smart with your smart assistants!
Keep your tech-know going
My popular podcast is called “Kim Komando Today.” It’s a solid 30 minutes of tech news, tips, and callers with tech questions like you from all over the country. Search for it wherever you get your podcasts. For your convenience, hit the link below for a recent episode.
PODCAST PICK:This fear keeps Sam Altman up at night
Plus, your AI girlfriend collects a lot of data. Kim and Andrew also talk about the White House's plan to tackle deepfakes and take a look back at the first kiss ever recorded.
Check out my podcast “Kim Komando Today” on Apple, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast player.
Listen to the podcast here or wherever you get your podcasts. Just search for my last name, “Komando.”
Learn about all the latest technology on the Kim Komando Show, the nation's largest weekend radio talk show. Kim takes calls and dispenses advice on today's digital lifestyle, from smartphones and tablets to online privacy and data hacks. For her daily tips, free newsletters and more, visit her website.
veryGood! (3986)
Related
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- Blake Lively Reveals She Baked “Amazing” Boob Cake for Son Olin’s First Birthday
- Colorado won't take questions from journalist who was critical of Deion Sanders
- Human remains found in Washington national forest believed to be missing 2013 hiker
- Could your smelly farts help science?
- Row house fire in Philadelphia kills woman, girl; man, boy taken to hospitals with 3rd-degree burns
- Inside the Shocking Sicily Yacht Tragedy: 7 People Dead After Rare Luxury Boat Disaster
- Judge reduces charges against former cops in Louisville raid that killed Breonna Taylor
- Are Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp down? Meta says most issues resolved after outages
- Here's What Judge Mathis' Estranged Wife Linda Is Seeking in Their Divorce
Ranking
- Former Danish minister for Greenland discusses Trump's push to acquire island
- Georgia lawmakers say the top solution to jail problems is for officials to work together
- Dylan Crews being called up to MLB by Washington Nationals, per reports
- Daunting, daring or dumb? Florida’s ‘healthy’ schedule provides obstacles and opportunities
- 2025 'Doomsday Clock': This is how close we are to self
- Jordan Montgomery slams Boras' negotiations: 'Kind of butchered it'
- Sales tax revenue, full costs unclear if North Dakota voters legalize recreational marijuana
- Trump-backed Alaska Republican withdraws from US House race after third-place finish in primary
Recommendation
House passes bill to add 66 new federal judgeships, but prospects murky after Biden veto threat
South Carolina sets date for first execution in more than 13 years
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Reunite in Rhode Island During Eras Tour Break
Run To American Eagle & Aerie for Styles up to 90% Off, Plus Deals on Bodysuits, Tops & More as Low as $3
2025 'Doomsday Clock': This is how close we are to self
After millions lose access to internet subsidy, FCC moves to fill connectivity gaps
Hawaii’s Big Island is under a tropical storm warning as Hone approaches with rain and wind
Why Taylor Swift Is “Blown Away” by Pals Zoë Kravitz and Sabrina Carpenter