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AI Is Coming to Social Security [1]
['This Content Is Not Subject To Review Daily Kos Staff Prior To Publication.']
Date: 2025-03-16
A long time ago I saw a public service commercial for Social Security. I can’t say I remember the details exactly, but it went something like this: A man leaves home holding a bunch of papers. His journey across town consists of delays and irritations, such as a car splashing water on the hapless fellow as its tire hits a puddle. Finally, the man arrives at the Social Security office. He sits at a desk, opposite a woman who listens to his reason for being there. With a puzzled look on her face, she says, “You could have called.”
Needless to say, those were the days before we started having to struggle with an automated voice that refuses to believe that we need to talk to a live agent.
In the movie Demolition Man (1993), Sylvester Stallone is cryogenically frozen. Decades later, he is thawed out in what was then the future. The movie has fun depicting that future. At one point, a police officer, who works for the San Angeles Police Department, is seen answering the telephone. He says, “Greetings. Welcome to the emergency line of the SAPD. If you prefer an automated response, press one now.”
That joke has gotten better with the passage of time.
Recently, Yahoo has changed its email format, which now includes an AI (artificial intelligence) summary preceding the email message itself. The other day, I received an email from the office of my apartment complex. It said that the phones were temporarily out of order. In the meantime, any maintenance requests could be posted on the website.
The AI summary said that maintenance requests will have to be posted on the website once phone service has been restored.
My bridge partner was sick recently. She sent me an email, telling me of her symptoms, one of which was swelling, actually causing her to gain weight.
The AI summary said that she was trying to lose weight by gaining fifteen pounds.
Recently, the Social Security Administration announced that it was going to improve efficiency by using AI, thereby providing better service for the American people.
Should the need ever arise, I think I’d rather be like the fellow in the commercial and drive across town to a Social Security office. If they still have one.
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