Letter: We want humans not Bots!
It is fortunate I am a pensioner and do not have to go to work when I am spending hours trying to chase up services of all kinds, to help sort a problem or get information. It is the issue of trying to deal with Bots (robots) rather than people.
Why do firms make the choice of Bots over humans? This is a moral and ethical choice that we as a society should be making for the benefit of us all and not just for the higher profit margins some seek.
The expectation today is that all are computer literate, and can use online services to find the answers you need rather than make a phone call. The other day I wasted many hours, I could not get past the Bot, and neither could a friend I commandeered to help me. After 5 frustrating hours I did speak to a human, who in league with another human, did manage to solve my problem in minutes.
I strongly speak out for us all to resist the trend to AI and computer replacement of people in so many areas. Do we want millions more unemployed just to get what is supposedly a more efficient and accurate system? Unions should be leading the charge to control the replacement of people and to make call centres etc more humane and accessible, for the benefit of the majority. I will also give the services I have had to try and deal with pro reviews and I will let them know why.
Yours faithfully,
Adrian Rimington, Chesterfield.