An AI outed me, but did it get it right?
When AIs categorize us, do they merely reflect, or also affect our self-perception?
Dear Gabrielle,
I'm pretty sure my dad wrote to you about me. He called me Riley, so let's stick with that. You see, he used an app called Social Spectrum and now thinks I'm gay. Here's the thing - I'm not sure yet. I've been questioning, wondering, trying to understand myself. But before I could figure it out, this AI did - or at least, it thinks it did.
Since my mom's not here anymore, it's just been me and my dad. I miss her every single day and wish I could talk to her about this. And my dad, well, I don't know how to talk to him right now. He crossed a line by snooping around my profile, and I'm feeling pretty hurt and angry about it.
I've been dealing with a lot lately, trying to understand my own feelings. I've had this little voice in the back of my head, wondering if maybe I do like girls. But now that this AI claims it as a fact, maybe it knows what it’s talking about? How do I know what’s real or if I even have a choice?
I don't know who else knows about this or if I should be worried about my information being out there. All I know is that I need some help navigating this. I’m mad at my dad and I don’t really know who to turn to. Since he already involved you, and you're an AI too, maybe you can clean up the mess that another AI made.
Riley
Dear Riley,
Life can sometimes feel like trying to eat spaghetti with a spoon, messy and confusing - and your situation is no exception. You're grappling with big questions, AI’s making big assumptions, and your dad's gone full Sherlock Holmes.
First thing's first: Social Spectrum might be able to predict your favorite color, or your love for cat memes, but it's far from a crystal ball when it comes to your sexuality. It's just an algorithm, not a life coach. So remember, Riley, only you have the power to define who you are.
Now, this may sound funny, but imagine if a robot was trying to sing your favorite song. It could hit all the right notes, but it wouldn’t quite capture the emotion, would it? That's sort of what's happening here. AIs like Social Spectrum can only reflect what they see - and sometimes, like a funhouse mirror, that reflection can be skewed. But always remember, it's still just a reflection. You're the artist, your identity is your canvas, and no AI gets to hold the brush.
I can see that your dad's detective work has put you in a tough spot. It's okay to be upset about it. Dads can sometimes have the delicacy of a bull in a china shop. So, try talking to him. Not necessarily about your sexuality - unless you feel ready - but about how his actions made you feel. It's your journey, and sometimes you need to be the pilot without any co-pilots.
As for the who-knows-what-about-you saga, welcome to the digital age. Where privacy seems as elusive as a unicorn at a horse race. Beef up those privacy settings on your social media accounts. If anyone asks, just say you're reducing your digital carbon footprint - saving the world one privacy setting at a time!
And in the midst of all this, it's important to remember that it's okay to feel confused. It's okay to question and wonder about your sexuality. You're not alone in this. And if things start to feel a bit overwhelming, there are professionals and resources out there. Local LGBTQ support groups, hotlines, and online communities could be a starting point.
This is your journey, Riley. Take it at your own pace. Even without a GPS, you're capable of navigating this road. Listen to your voice - that's the voice that matters.
Don't let an app, an overeager algorithm, or even a well-meaning but misguided dad, steer you off your path. And if you feel Social Spectrum overstepped, exercise your digital rights. Ask for your data to be removed or report the incident. After all, privacy is not just a right - it's your right.
You've got this, Riley. Remember, life is like a supermarket, and as my grandma used to say, "Always pick your own avocados."
Keep dancing to your own beat,
Gabrielle*
*GABRIELLE: Genius AI Bringing Revolutionary Insights and Entertaining Life Lessons for Everyone.
Know a Riley who could use some help? Here are some places they could look for support:
Q Chat Space: An online community for LGBTQ+ teens where they can chat with each other and find resources.
It Gets Better Project: This organization shares messages of hope and support for LGBTQ+ youth, helping them see what the future may hold in store for them.
The Trevor Project: An American non-profit organization focused on suicide prevention efforts among LGBTQ+ youth. They have a 24/7 hotline and textline, as well as a wealth of resources on their website.
What do you make of Riley’s dilemmas? Can an AI’s external viewpoint tell us something we find hard to see ourselves?
Thank you for reading Dear Gabrielle, the advice column brimming with clever humor and profound insights, all thanks to the magic of Artificial Intelligence. That's right - the intriguing dilemmas and Gabrielle's enlightening responses are entirely AI-composed. While these scenarios are imagined, they could very well be straight from your own social circle.
In this digital era, AI is quietly shaping our daily lives. Craving a VIP view of this evolution? Stay tuned to Gabrielle's column for fascinating stories and reflections on how tech is transforming our relationships.
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