Dear Editor,
Re: Love Robots Moving Into West Vancouver Seniors Home
After reading this article by Alanna Kelly, I was left wondering if humans would eventually become an endangered species. The thought that a lonely senior would become dependent on being seemingly loved by a mechanical toy and loving it back is so sad. This, instead of a gentle human voice or equally gentle touch of a human hand.
I go to the stores, and these days we are encouraged to use the machines to check out our purchases. A human may be there to show you how.
A mechanical voice drones over and over and over, telling you not to forget your bag. I line up at the one checkout station open that has a human cashier. Why? Because a human smiles at me, wishes me good day, will laugh with me if I make a humorous comment, ask if I need help to my car, tell me they like my hat. I leave the store with a smile and a lightness of step.
The technology of today is amazing, saving many lives that would otherwise be lost and improving the quality of life for many others. However, it is a tool, not a crutch. Let’s not continue down this slippery slope of replacing humans with technology just for convenience or to save time.
Maureen Bragg
North Vancouver
