The future is now

11 examples of how voice assistants are reshaping the way we communicate

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For millions of people around the world, voice assistants like Siri, Alexa, and Google Assistant have become part of daily routines, but they are also quietly changing the way we speak. From how we phrase questions to the words we choose, these digital helpers are introducing subtle changes in everyday language. As our use of these devices increases, the amount of time we spend talking to them will likely increase as well. Here are 12 ways voice assistants are influencing the way we communicate.

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The first and probably most noticeable example of how voice assistants change the way we speak has to do with the shift to more imperative sentences when making requests.

For example, instead of saying, "Can you please set a timer for me?" people now tend to default to concise, direct commands like, "Set a timer for 10 minutes." We use imperative sentences rather than polite or indirect forms.

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Since voice assistants are, essentially, robots that break up commands into simple concepts to process them effectively, we tend to simplify and rephrase the way we speak by using key terms the assistant is more likely to understand.

For example, instead of saying, "Can you put on something jazzy?" people often default to a concise command like, "Play jazz music."

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Another common trait when speaking to machines is that we tend to repeat similar structures, since voice assistants do not handle follow-up context as well as humans do.

For example, someone might say, "What’s the weather today? What’s the weather tomorrow?"

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This is possibly one of the most positive effects on the list. When speaking to a voice assistant, people tend to slow down and articulate more clearly, a habit that sometimes carries over into their regular speech.

For example, someone might deliberately separate words, saying, "Call… Mom," for a clearer enunciation.

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Wake words—those commands used to "wake up" a voice assistant, such as "Hey Siri" or "Alexa"—are increasingly entering casual conversation and humor.

For example, people might jokingly say, "Okay Google, make me a sandwich," to someone, or, "Hey Siri, can you take the dog out for a walk?"

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Another notable language shift is the tendency to use more formal, literal phrasing when speaking to machines, a habit that sometimes carries over into everyday conversation.

For example, someone might say, "Give me the details," instead of the slangier, "Gimme the deets," when interacting with a voice assistant.

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Even though artificial intelligence is making machine speech more natural, voice assistants do not always accurately interpret the exact meaning of our commands. As a result, people tend to adopt more mechanical, concise speech patterns to communicate more efficiently with these devices.

For example, someone might say, "Add milk to the shopping list," instead of a longer phrasing like, "Can you remind me to buy milk later?"

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Voice assistants typically use a neutral tone, without regional accents. As a result, people with strong accents or regional dialects may adjust their speech toward more "standard" English to be understood.

This can involve modifying pronunciation or vocabulary—for example, saying "elevator" instead of "lift" in certain regions.

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In line with some of the previous situations, the simplification of commands encourages the removal of hedges and conversational words in favor of more precise, direct questions.

For example, instead of saying, "Do you know how tall Mount Everest is?" someone might simply ask, "How tall is Mount Everest?"

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People have learned to anticipate how machines interpret language and adjust in real time, demonstrating a growing linguistic adaptability fostered by our interactions with voice assistants.

For example, someone might start by saying, "Call Sam," but then change it to, "Call Samantha, mobile," when they realize the assistant may not understand the initial command.

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While casual conversations with humans often rely on pronouns and shared context, voice assistants require more explicit information. Users tend to over-specify to compensate for the assistant’s limited contextual memory.

For example, someone might say, "Send message to John: I’ll be late," instead of the more natural, "Tell him I’m running late."

RETRO REWIND

10 Timeless TV Shows That Are Still Worth Watching

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In the fast-paced world of television, some shows still manage to transcend their time, retaining their charm and relevance decades after their original airings. Whether it's the captivating storytelling, memorable characters, or universal themes, these old-time gems continue to captivate modern audiences.

Here are 10 classic TV shows that stand the test of time, offering stories that remain as fresh today as they were during their heyday.

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Rod Serling's groundbreaking anthology series, The Twilight Zone, remains a masterclass in storytelling. A genius mix of horror, pulp fiction, and comedy, each episode plunges viewers into a world of mystery, often ending with unexpected and thought-provoking twists. And the good news is that, despite premiering in the late 50s, there have been a steady stream of revivals and spin-offs, almost to this day.

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Lucille Ball's comedic genius shines in I Love Lucy, a seminal sitcom that set the standard for the whole genre. Spanning six seasons, the show was the most-watched show in the United States for several years, and with good reason! The show's blend of physical comedy and witty dialogue still elicits genuine laughter and resonates with modern audiences. If you are a fan of the genre, this is a must-watch.

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Named after a term used by miners when referring to a large deposit of silver ore, Bonanza is a Western set in the 1860s. The show follows the adventures of the wealthy Cartwright family as they navigate life on the Ponderosa Ranch in Nevada, near Lake Tahoe. With a unique blend of action, drama, and moral lessons, the show remains a classic example of the genre.

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An acronym for Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, MASH explores the realities of war with a very well-balanced blend of comedy and drama. Set in the early 1950s, during the Korean War, the show has an ensemble of larger-than-life characters that try to survive and keep their humanity in the chaos of war. A timeless gem, the show's sharp writing and memorable characters make it relevant to this day.

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A trailblazer for women in television, The Mary Tyler Moore Show broke new ground with its portrayal of a single, independent career woman. In the 1970s, this was a rarity in American television, and it soon became one of the most beloved shows of the decade. Praised to this day for its complex and relatable characters and storylines, the series remains a cultural touchstone for its wit, charm, and serious themes.

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Set in an eponymous bar in Boston, Cheers is a quintessential sitcom that revolves around the lives of its colorful regulars. Although it was almost canceled during its first season, Cheers ascended to become one of the most beloved and critically acclaimed series in television history, running from 1982 to 1993, and spanning a total of 275 episodes across eleven seasons. The show's clever writing and amazing cast make it a mandatory watch for anyone seeking laughter and camaraderie.

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A classic sitcom that captures the humor and dynamics of working-class life in the 1950s, The Honeymooners follows the lives of New York City bus driver Ralph Kramden, his wife, and friends. Jackie Gleason's larger-than-life performance as Kramden and the show's timeless humor ensure that even modern audiences can relate.

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Starring comedy legend Dick Van Dyke, this sitcom follows the misadventures of a comedy writer for a fictional TV show and his family. The series delves into the everyday lives of its characters, presenting a myriad of comedic scenarios that the main cast often find themselves entangled in. Both sharp and endearing, The Dick Van Dyke Show left an enduring legacy in the world of comedy TV shows, and its influence in modern shows is evident to this day.

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A visionary science fiction show created by Gene Roddenberry, Star Trek continues to inspire audiences with its exploration of space, humanity, and the unknown. Certainly one of the most rewatchable TV shows that there have ever been, and despite beginning in the 1960s, the franchise hasn’t lost an inch of cultural relevance. Whether you want to revisit the original series, and its modern successors or immerse yourself for the first time in the awe-inspiring world of the series, you are in for a treat.

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Bewitched follows the life of Samantha Stephens, a witch married to a mortal man, as she tries to navigate the challenges of suburban life while keeping her magical abilities a secret. With the stellar performance of Elizabeth Montgomery, the show's blend of fantasy, humor, and social commentary remains enchanting to this day.