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When Auto-Correct Equals Auto-Corrupt  

Like most other humans, I text. 

A lot of those messages I tap on the phone screen, though I also rely on voice-to-text communication.  But I've noticed that whatever method I use, my phone appears to be biased: in favor of all things vulgar.

If I should happen to slightly misspell a word, the phone often suggests something naughty, including profanity of all kinds. The phone's predictive algorithm goes so far as to look at specific words I've typed and then recommends "typical" follow up ideas.  Words that may be extremely inappropriate.

Have you experienced this?  I bet you have. Once, my wife texted our good friends, asking if this couple wanted to have supper at our place. Good thing she checked her text before sending it to the husband, as the "autocorrect" feature turned the message into an invitation for sex!

Sadly, this kind of thing is fast becoming ubiquitous in our day.  Honestly, I’ve watched this trend-toward-the-tacky over a long period.  It ranges from sexual innuendo to disrespectful putdowns to profanity, or even vulgarity.  If it's salty, slutty, or sleazy, our phones go there—every time.

None of this is by accident.  It is the result of deliberate coding choices built into the predictive algorithms that interpret my error-prone texts. Translation: our civilization is hardwired to discourage holiness, purity, and politeness.

I wish I had an answer to this cultural coarsening. I wish I knew why those calling the programming shots consider this good when it is undoubtedly evil. 

Let us beware—and let us choose better!

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.  —Phil. 4:8

 

 

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Jon GaugerJon Gauger

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