Who is the Robot Here?

...Could it be me?

I’ve been concerned about the ‘age of AI’ and have often worried about losing my administration job to a Robot. I’ve complained to colleagues and friends about self-service supermarkets, computer-run switchboards and the dwindling of local shops due to internet usage.

I’ve watched with horror the anticipated visions of the future, with robots filling my car with fuel and my car driving itself.

I’ve been disgusted with AI artists on the internet, as it seems to be slowly pulling the rug from under the creative industry. I’ve thrown up my hands to say ‘We can’t trust our eyes anymore!’

So, you could say I’ve been planning a mini-war over the ‘AI robot’ which seems to be descending on my life.

But if this is a monster out to get me, haven’t I opened the door and willingly invited it into my home, my workplace and my life? And don’t I rely on it, day in and day out?

I just wonder, who is the robot? Perhaps computers are the boss here, the ‘real intelligence’ and we are the minions sent to do their missions every day. Just saying.

I am just having a slow epiphany of dread and wanted to share with you all that I may already be on a downward pull toward the land of AI.

I mean, I was the one who updated my phone to the newest smartphone so that I could get all the apps to help me with everyday living. My (Nu Skin) Lumi Spa which I cleanse my face with in the morning is connected to my phone and tells me when I need to update my skincare, or when I have a spot breaking out on my forehead (don’t worry, it already has a plan of action for this monstrosity on my face; the newest, most expensive face-cream just released. And I DO need it. This spot is about to ruin my life; forget downloading that dating app before you deal with this emergency).

Oh, and my calendar is attached to my Amazon shopping app, which reminds me when I’m running out of toothpaste. It also reminded me that there are much better ways to clean my teeth. Haven’t I tried the newest electric toothbrush? I really can’t afford not to check this out!

My Google app sings to me while I prepare tea, and tells me when my appointments are. She tells me what the weather is going to do as I get ready for work, and which route to take to avoid roadworks. In my car, my playlist of music continues to play, and the sat nav tells me I ‘have arrived’ as I pull into the work car park. Thanks for that.

My smartphone pings at me as I rush to my desk, reminding me to reply to the 101 WhatsApp messages and internet reminders whilst asking me if I’ve remembered that I have an event coming up this weekend.

No, I haven’t, because my brain is wired to this computer and without it, I cannot recall a thing. The hard drive is no longer my brain.

Do you get my point here? Am I overreacting? Am I being paranoid, or am I being taken over by technology?

Am I the robot?

I’m beginning to think so.

Suzanne Henderson 2025