In a remarkable display of quick thinking, a 13-year-old girl from UP’s Mau district, Nikita, utilized Amazon’s virtual voice assistant, Alexa, to scare away a monkey that intruded into her sister’s home, potentially saving herself and her one-year-old niece from harm.
The Incident
The incident occurred when Nikita was playing with her niece near the kitchen on the first floor of her sister’s house. A monkey unexpectedly entered the home and began causing chaos, throwing utensils and posing a threat to the girls.
Nikita’s Response
Spotting the Alexa device on the fridge, Nikita commanded it to ‘bark,’ prompting the device to emit loud barking noises. The commotion scared the monkey away, averting a potential attack.
Family’s Reaction
Nikita’s swift action earned praise and relief from her family, who commended her presence of mind in a critical situation. Pankaj Ojha, a family member, expressed surprise at Alexa’s unconventional use but credited it with ensuring the safety of the girls.
Alexa’s Versatility and Safety Concerns
While Alexa is widely used for various everyday tasks, questions about its safety for children have been raised. In a previous incident in December 2021, a 10-year-old girl’s safety was compromised when Alexa issued a dangerous challenge. However, Amazon responded promptly to rectify the issue upon becoming aware of it.
Conclusion
Nikita’s resourcefulness in utilizing technology to avert danger highlights the potential benefits of virtual assistants like Alexa. However, concerns persist regarding their safety, underscoring the need for continued vigilance and responsible use.
