FOREWORD
The washing machine paradox AI , like washing machines , will throw up some surprises you weren ’ t expecting . We should all manage our expectations .
“ The assumption that automation would mean less work was flawed ”
AI MAGAZINE IS PUBLISHED BY
Let ’ s talk about washing machines . Because … well , we ’ ll get to that later . But for now , we can discuss a trend no one expected from modern household appliances . When they were invented , they were sold as laboursaving devices . And it was a believable line . Putting a load of clothes in the twin tub , shaking in a bit of Daz and hitting ‘ start ’ is easier than operating a mangle ( I guess , I ’ ve never used a mangle ).
But here ’ s what really happened : people ( women , really ) who had a washing machine , dishwasher , vacuum cleaner found they were spending longer on household tasks than previously .
The data are arguable , but the concept is not . The assumption that automation would mean less work was flawed . There was still an operator who had to load and unload , so the labour was only reduced , not gone . Expectations for how often to clean clothes and carpets also shifted : an increase . And there were further additions to the workload – the red sock in the white wash that introduced hours of stain removal ; the blocked filter , the malfunction requiring specialist servicing . I don ’ t think these problems were prevalent with a good old mangle ( again , I ’ m assuming ).
Thing is , AI is just the same . It could and should make things better and easier . We still use household appliances for a reason . But it ’ s not sci-fi : manage your expectations or prepare to be surprised .
Do get in touch with your mangle experiences please .
PADDY SMITH paddy . smith @ bizclikmedia . com © 2021 | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED aimagazine . com 3