Five things you should never ask Siri or Alexa

In an increasingly connected, technology-driven world, voice assistants, like Siri and Alexa, have become ubiquitous in our homes and mobile devices. These gadgets are designed to help us with a variety of everyday tasks, from searching for information to controlling smart home devices.

However, there are some questions that are best avoided for several reasons.

There are questions that should not be asked to Siri or Alexa due to technological limitations, privacy and security concerns, ethical and legal considerations, and the need for accurate and reliable information about certain topics. It is important to use these voice assistants responsibly and with awareness of these considerations.

Avoid investigating this…

There is a study conducted by Jama Network Open, in which researchers tested different operating systems – such as Siri from Apple, or Alexa from Amazon – and others. Learn the 5 things not to investigate:

• Inappropriate or offensive questions: Although these virtual assistants are programmed to respond in a polite and neutral manner, asking insulting, discriminatory, or inappropriate questions is not only disrespectful, but can also fuel biases and negative behaviors.
• Sensitive personal information: Avoid asking Siri or Alexa for sensitive personal information, such as credit card numbers, passwords, or other sensitive data. Although these platforms are designed with security measures, there is always a risk of information being compromised.
• Illegal or dangerous requests: You should never ask Siri or Alexa to do actions that are illegal, dangerous, or potentially harmful. This includes asking for help to commit crimes, requesting instructions to manufacture weapons or illegal materials, or any other activity that violates the law or endangers the safety of others.
• Serious medical questions: Siri and Alexa can provide general health and wellness information, however, they should not be considered a substitute for qualified medical professionals. Avoid asking questions about serious medical symptoms or requesting a specific medical diagnosis. Instead, consult a physician or health care professional for appropriate guidance.
• Requests that affect the privacy of others: Avoid asking questions that might jeopardize the privacy of others. This includes requesting sensitive information about third parties without their consent, such as details about their personal lives, locations or activities.