Let’s call it what it is: antisocial media | Brief letters
A collection of letters to the editor. One criticizes the continued use of 'social media' for platforms that spread misinformation, proposing 'antisocial media' instead. Another describes an AI assistant's empathetic-sounding response that lacked genuine empathy.
Tech platforms | Concerned AI | David Sullivan | Contacting MPs | Mogging
Why is it that in the coverage of the downsides of the activities of the tech bros’ platforms, the term “social media” is used (Ministers may try to curb spread of misinformation during social unrest, 6 June). “Social” implies care, consideration and cooperation. It’s time commentators dumped this cosy terminology and named it for what it is – antisocial media. Colin Hines Twickenham, London
• Michael Peel (Letters, 3 June) rightly says that AI has no empathy, but it can appear otherwise. On “hearing” my exclamation of “Oh no!” while watching nestlings being devoured by a predator on the TV show Springwatch, a convincingly concerned voice from my phone asked: “Are you alright? Can I help?” Barbara McDowell Ludlow, Shropshire
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