What the Duck? Predictive Texting: What is it and How Does it Effect You

predictive textPhoto byJen Terry Canva

If you have a smartphone, you most likely have had a situation occur where what you typed was changed to what your phone thought you were attempting to say right as you hit send. Sounds crazy, huh? As frustrating as it can be, it is by design. It’s called predictive text. Your smartphone or computer actually predicts what you are trying to say and offers suggestions based on your writing style. Sounds amazing, except when it’s not.

There is nothing worse than writing a text or an email, reading it for errors, and just as you are about to hit send, your innocent text of "You are so welcome" changes to "You are so worthless." It sounds far-fetched, but it happens a lot. And for the record, some of us should be grateful for the changes when the word you intended to say was not duck, just saying.

Ok, so what is predictive text, and why is it important? Originally designed to streamline typing and improve efficiency, predictive text technology has grown increasingly sophisticated. It often makes surprising adjustments to the words we choose just before our messages are sent. This phenomenon has sparked both intrigue and frustration among users, highlighting the complex interplay between technology and humans.

The Genesis of Predictive Texting

Predictive texting first made its debut in the late 1990s with the advent of T9 text input systems on mobile phones. These systems used a dictionary of common words and patterns to anticipate what the user intended to type, thereby speeding up the texting process. While T9 was a significant advancement, it had its limitations, particularly in terms of accuracy and context.

As smartphones became more advanced, so did predictive text algorithms. Modern predictive texting leverages machine learning and natural language processing to analyze vast amounts of data, including user-specific typing habits, to improve predictions. This evolution has led to the development of more context-aware systems that can make nuanced suggestions based on the user's previous interactions, current conversations, and even the emotional tone of the text. So why, if it is monitoring your typing and writing style, does it change words to words you have ever used or even considered using? Either my AI thinks I am smarter than I am or has lost all hope for me and has decided to take over and make and shield the world from my lack thereof.

The Impact of Predictive Texting on Communication

Predictive texting can be a double-edged sword. On one hand, it enhances communication by making typing faster and more efficient. For instance, it can correct spelling errors and suggest relevant words, which is particularly useful in professional settings where precision is crucial. On the other hand, the technology is not infallible and sometimes alters words or phrases in ways that can lead to misunderstandings or unintended meanings. Remember the duck gently placed in that sentence where you did not intend it.

A common issue is the technology's tendency to "correct" words that are correct but less common or more specific. The technology might automatically correct names, slang, curse words, or specialized terms, which can be particularly frustrating for users who feel that their unique language and style are being overridden.

User Experiences and Adjustments

The real-world implications of predictive texting are diverse. Some users find the technology helpful and time-saving, while others feel it intrudes on their personal communication style. Many users have adapted by adjusting their typing habits or by manually correcting the text before sending. Some even disable predictive text features altogether to avoid the pitfalls of automated suggestions.

Interestingly, the technology is also learning from user feedback. Many predictive text systems allow users to add custom words or phrases to their dictionaries, improving the system's accuracy over time. This adaptability means that while the technology may initially struggle with certain terms or contexts, it can become more attuned to individual preferences with continued use.

The Future of Predictive Texting

As artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies continue to advance, the future of predictive texting looks promising. Future iterations may offer even more refined and contextually aware suggestions, reducing the frequency of incorrect or awkward word substitutions. Innovations such as real-time translation, enhanced emotional tone recognition, and more personalized predictions are on the horizon, potentially transforming how we interact with our devices and each other.

Predictive texting has come a long way from its early days, offering both convenience and challenges to modern communicators. While it has the potential to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of our digital interactions significantly, it also prompts users to be more vigilant about the nuances of their language. As technology continues to evolve, finding the balance between automation and personal expression will be key to ensuring that predictive texting remains a valuable tool rather than an impediment to clear and effective communication.

Let's face it: AI is everywhere, aiding us in our daily lives in various situations and scenarios. But when we have to correct the autocorrect to revert back to what we intended to say, there has to be a question asked: How much AI is too much? Have we become so dependent upon computers to do what we used to do ourselves? Is AI dumbing us down, or are we, as a species, just getting lazy? I'll leave that question for you to decide for yourselves.

when autocorrect goes wrongPhoto byJen Terry Canva

Kus, Zeynep. “Predictive Text: How AI Knows What You’re Going to Type.” DataBank | Data Center Evolved, 29 July 2024, www.databank.com/resources/blogs/predictive-text-how-ai-knows-what-youre-going-to-type/. Accessed 11 Sept. 2024.

Leah Burrows . “Predictive Text Systems Change What We Write.” Seas.harvard.edu, 11 May 2020, seas.harvard.edu/news/2020/05/predictive-text-systems-change-what-we-write. Accessed 11 Sept. 2024.

University of Cambridge. “Do You Use Predictive Text? Chances Are It’s Not Saving You Time – and Could Even Be Slowing You Down.” Department of Engineering, 15 Dec. 2021, www.eng.cam.ac.uk/news/do-you-use-predictive-text-chances-are-it-s-not-saving-you-time-and-could-even-be-slowing-you. Accessed 11 Sept. 2024.