The Big Debate vs. Reality
Back in my day, we didn't have 'Artificial Intelligence.' We had 'Real Intelligence,' which usually involved me reading a manual for three hours while my wife, Linda, told me I was holding the wrench upside down. Now, I pick up the paper—or what’s left of it—and see these headlines about Utah companies. One’s a fancy 'MarTech' outfit in Park City and the other handles hotels. They’re actually using these robots to do business. Meanwhile, the politicians up in Salt Lake are sitting in their fancy leather chairs debating 'ethics' and 'policy' like they even know how to attach a photo to an email. It’s a joke! While they're arguing about what the robots *should* do, these companies are out here actually doing it. Probably making a killing, too, while I’m still trying to figure out why my remote has fifty buttons when I only use four of them.
The Marketing Robots of Park City
It says here that these Park City folks are changing how the 'AI' actually works for real businesses. They aren't just making those fake pictures where people have six fingers—I saw one of those on the Facebook, gave me nightmares. No, they’re actually helping people sell things. I remember when 'Marketing Technology' was just a billboard on the side of I-15 and a firm handshake that left your knuckles sore for a week. Now it's all 'algorithms' and 'data sets.' I tried to set up a 'data set' once on my Excel program, but I just ended up deleting my Solitaire high scores from 1998. A total tragedy. These kids in Park City think they're so smart with their 'software solutions,' but I bet none of them know how to change a tire in a snowstorm without watching a video first.
The Robot Front Desk
Then you’ve got this hotel agency. They’re using the tech to manage bookings or something. Back when I took the family to Bear Lake in '84—back when gas was a reasonable price and people didn't stare at their palms all day—you called a landline, spoke to a girl named Debbie, and hoped she didn't lose your reservation in a filing cabinet. Now? A robot probably knows I want extra towels and a firm mattress before I even know I’m going to spill my prune juice. It's impressive, I guess, but I still don't trust a machine that can't look me in the eye. What happens when the power goes out? Debbie could still find my room key in the dark with a flashlight. These robots probably just spin in circles and demand a software update while you're standing there in your pajamas.
The Silicon Slopes Snobs
Park City used to be a place for skiing and getting a decent burger at a price that didn't require a second mortgage. Now it's the 'Silicon Slopes' snobby older brother. I drove through there last Tuesday—gas is four dollars a gallon, can you believe that?—and saw more Teslas than I saw actual trees. These tech companies are 'quietly' changing things, the article says. Well, they should be quiet! Some of us are trying to have a nap after lunch! I suppose it’s better than them being loud about it. My neighbor, Gary, got one of those 'smart' doorbells and now he won't stop talking about his 'connectivity.' Connectivity? Gary, you can't even connect with your own kids! If AI can fix the traffic on the I-15, then I'll be impressed. Otherwise, it's just more noise.
Conclusion
If the robots are going to take over the hotels and the marketing world, I just hope they at least know how to cook a steak medium-rare without having to look it up on the 'inter-webs' first. We're living in a brave new world, folks, and I'm just here trying to make sure my lawn looks better than Gary's next door. If AI can help with that, maybe I'll buy a share or two of their stock. Until then, I'll be right here on my porch, waiting for the mailman to bring me a real letter written with a real pen. God bless.