Cybernetic Intercourse

Because of the power of machine language, the elegance of the programs and the friendliness of the interfaces, we can reach a very high level of interactivity with our machines. So high in fact that we can engage in cybernetic intercourse (Look it up!) such as when we interact with an ATM.

You: Let me slip my stiff little card into your slot.
ATM: That’s a good one. Do you know which of my buttons to press?
You: This one, this one, this one and this one. Let’s get down to business.
ATM: OK! You’re good. I’m ready. How much do you want?
You: 400.
ATM: One moment, please. Rhaarr. Pull your card out.
You: Thank you.*
ATM: Zipzipzipzip. Here’s your cash.
You: Thank you.*
ATM: Don’t forget your receipt. I’ve noted your latest transactions and the balance of your account on it.
You: Thank you.*
ATM. Next customer, please.

*Your “Thank yous” are actions (pulling out the card, taking the money…) telling the machine that you’re doing your part in cybernetic intercourse. The ATM is more efficient than a biological teller and it doesn’t look down at you when it sees how little you have in your account. Intelligent? Would it help if it wore earrings?

“I told my computer that it would never think like a human.
My computer thanked me for the compliment.”
Dartwill Aquila