Posted On: Thursday - September 25th 2025 6:50PM MST
In Topics: Artificial Stupidity Peak Stupidity Roadshow
Also, I think that was one of our best post titles.
That previous post was a long story, but the point of it was that young people in this age of Artificial Stupidity will believe computer software over the words of live people, speaking to them right there and right then.
This uber ride has got me thinking it's even worse than that. These road guidance programs are not entirely bad when used in moderation. One time on a 4 hour roadtrip, we had to find a particular grocery story in the exurbs of our destination, at night, in order to pick up a special birthday cake. Without my wife's phone app, no, we'd have probably not gotten the cake. Moderation is the key, though. If you already know the way, turn the thing off! (I especially don't like the NWAs, that is Nagging Wife Apps.)
This time, the uber driver told us it was his first ride. No, I have no idea if this guy really understands the economics of it (maybe it'll just be the crank position sensor at first), but he did say his brother has been doing this work.
It was generally very pleasant. It's just that I saw him still looking at his phone when we were already at the hotel, the parking lot at least. "It's like, right here, man." and "We're there." I hinted, as this guy kept on looking at the phone, rather than just go around the proper curbs to end up in front. I suppose the app knew the whole parking lot, but... I don't know... at some point you have to live in the world. You maneuver the vehicle in between the curbs such that it ends up by the front doors. It's not rocket surgery. (Is there an app for that?)
It's worse than I thought. People don't want to even try and get anywhere by looking out the window, even if the very building is in sight. Now, he had to look at the road when driving on the highway, but, signs? Nah. Mile markers? Wut?
Their phones are their worlds. I couldn't live like that, sorry.
Comments:
Moderator
Friday - September 26th 2025 6:16AM MST
PS: Good ideas, SafeNow. Next time, I'll put it in terms of "you", intrepid uber driver. He was an OK guy. I was just frustrated that he wouldn't simply look away from the phone until the vehicle was at a full stop. "You've arrived at your destination."
Good morning, M. I have not heard of that. Thank you. The "rocket surgery" thing is, as you likely know, a purposeful conflation of 2 similar expressions, like "Does the Pope shit in the woods?" "Are bears Catholic?" just doesn't cut it. Neither does "It ain't brain science."
Good morning, M. I have not heard of that. Thank you. The "rocket surgery" thing is, as you likely know, a purposeful conflation of 2 similar expressions, like "Does the Pope shit in the woods?" "Are bears Catholic?" just doesn't cut it. Neither does "It ain't brain science."
M
Friday - September 26th 2025 3:58AM MST
PS
re: rocket surgery. I don't think there's any yet, but I have heard of explosive welding...
re: rocket surgery. I don't think there's any yet, but I have heard of explosive welding...
SafeNow
Thursday - September 25th 2025 11:22PM MST
PS
“It's like, right here, man." and "We're there.”
I have found that, to break through phone-fixedness. it is fatal to begin a sentence with the personal pronoun “I “. ..even when that is the natural syntax
of the communication. Instead, I torture the syntax by beginning with either:
1. The subject matter/object of the situation, or 2. The word “You”.
Now, Mr. Moderator's first sentence is superb according to my formula……he employs alternative number 1. But alas his second sentence fails (sorry) by using “we’re” . YOU are there is preferable because it’s all HIM….
the appeal to the guy’s narcissism.. Implied is YOU did it (man) hey great job (congrats).
“It's like, right here, man." and "We're there.”
I have found that, to break through phone-fixedness. it is fatal to begin a sentence with the personal pronoun “I “. ..even when that is the natural syntax
of the communication. Instead, I torture the syntax by beginning with either:
1. The subject matter/object of the situation, or 2. The word “You”.
Now, Mr. Moderator's first sentence is superb according to my formula……he employs alternative number 1. But alas his second sentence fails (sorry) by using “we’re” . YOU are there is preferable because it’s all HIM….
the appeal to the guy’s narcissism.. Implied is YOU did it (man) hey great job (congrats).
There is variation of the “rocket science” or “brain surgery” phrase that I sometimes use when I want to compliment a tradesman; when I want to show I appreciate his skills. For example, I might tell my truly skilled landscaper (he has a 2-year-college horticulture degree): “Saving an ailing tree is not rocket science…it”s harder! Yes, for an instant my sentence sounds like an insult…but then, before he can punch me, he immediately hears “It’s harder” and he nods or laughs appreciatively.