We need a new word to describe when you’re interacting with… something, and you’re not sure if it’s a bot or not.
I just rescheduled a furnace service appointment at 1 a.m. via text. Awake for no particular reason, I had filled out a web form, not expecting a response until a normal hour. But then I got a text from “Larry.”
Larry felt human…-ish, but he kept asking questions, then responding to my answers with “Got it, [repeats my answer back to me]…” Also, his texts were grammar-perfect – everything spelled right, capitalization correct, no idioms, etc.
I checked back for an em-dash, and only found this: “No problem-we can help reschedule your service.” So, an intended em-dash, but just a normal dash with no spacing. Is this a clue?
I finished by saying, “Assuming you’re not an AI bot, you should go to bed.” (It was 12:54 a.m., remember.)
Larry responded: “Haha [his first informality], thanks for looking out for me! I’ll make sure your request gets to the right person first thing in the morning. Sleep well!”
I can’t decide if Larry was human. This feeling is some version of the Uncanny Valley, but I’m not sure if it has a name yet.
(To be clear, it was a great experience, so kudos to Frisbees Plumbing, Heating, AC & Electrical. But I anxiously await proof of Larry’s humanity.)