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Asking Eric: Is It Fair of Me to Ask that Smart Devices Be Turned Off when I Visit Your Home?

Alexa listens to conversations and records audio after detecting the wake word, raising privacy concerns for users during intimate conversations and gatherings.
Devices like Alexa mishear sounds sometimes, leading to unintended recordings, prompting users to turn off microphones or delete conversations for privacy.
Users can request friends with smart devices to mute them during conversations, emphasizing personal comfort over technology use.
Concerns about device surveillance and monitored interactions highlight the need for awareness regarding personal engagement with technology and its impact.

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15 Articles

Asking Eric: Is it fair of me to ask that smart devices be turned off when I visit your home?

Dear Eric: I have friends who have Alexa in their homes, and I understand that Alexa is a valuable tool when used as indicated. I also understand that it “listens” to any conversation carried on in its presence. This bothers me, because we often have intimate and/or professional conversations.

2 months ago·Portland, United States

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The Washington Post

Lean Left

Column | Asking Eric: Alexa’s eavesdropping makes for uncomfortable visits

Is the letter writer paranoid to be suspicious of smart speakers in friends’ homes?

2 months ago

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Marin Independent Journal

+3 Reposted by 3 other sources

Center

Asking Eric: Am I being paranoid about what my friends’ Alexa does?

Open the article to view the coverage from Marin Independent Journal

2 months ago

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The Baltimore Sun

+2 Reposted by 2 other sources

Center

Asking Eric: Alexa’s eavesdropping makes for uncomfortable visits with friends

Open the article to view the coverage from The Baltimore Sun

2 months ago·Baltimore, United States

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Anchorage Daily News

Center

Asking Eric: I’m afraid my friends’ Alexa devices are eavesdropping on us

Advice from R. Eric Thomas.

2 months ago·Anchorage, United States

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St Louis Post-Dispatch

+2 Reposted by 2 other sources

Lean Left

Alexa's eavesdropping makes for uncomfortable visits

Dear Eric: I have friends who have Alexa in their homes, and I understand that Alexa is a valuable tool when used as indicated. I also understand that it "listens" to any conversation carried on in its presence. This bothers…

2 months ago·St. Louis, United States

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