Psychology of Media & Technology

While it may be weird to worry about manners with Alexa or Siri, it's important to consider what behaviors you're modeling or even practicing.  We all learn through repetition and observation of behaviors and outcomes.  I'm not saying that you should go crazy with manners when you talk to Siri, but it's prudent to consider the behaviors you are adopting and teaching, especially with kids around, when you ask for information or get frustrated with the result.   Can you credibly explain to an 8-year old why it's okay to be rude or interrupt Alexa when that's not okay with 'real people'?  Don't underestimate the tendency of people of all ages to anthropomorphize technology, assigning intention and attribution to its human-like behavior and the authority that comes with dispensing information.  And don't forget that kids are actively learning how to navigate their social world, continually absorbing clues about what's okay and what's not.  If you tell Alexa to 'shut up,' don't be shocked if you hear that coming out of the mouths of your babes when they talk to you.