I Am Alexa Alliance
We’re taking back our name
Amazon's choice of "Alexa" has resulted in unethical product outcomes.
We’re asking Amazon to rebrand their virtual assistant to a non-human name, and eliminate the “Alexa” wake word.
People are losing normal use of their own name: Alexas, and those with similar names, are unable to use their name around the devices without causing disruptions and inconvenience to users. As the devices become ever more prolific, this problem only grows worse.
Amazon’s product name has changed how users interact with people named Alexa: Unlike other products out there with human names, this one requires users to vocalize commands and requests at “Alexa” repeatedly throughout the day, setting a pattern for the way they now interact with people who have that name.
Losing use of your name and having people speak to you like a machine is dehumanizing: These outcomes were completely unnecessary; the technology will work just as well when summoned by a neutral, non-name wake word.
Outcomes of Amazon's choice to use the name Alexa:
Name Changes: Alexas of all ages are resorting to changing the name they go by, some even legally
Psychological Harm: The mental health of young Alexas is suffering; there are two confirmed cases of suicide ideation because of Alexa name-related bullying
We shouldn’t all be shouting anybody’s name through the air. Using a real name has unethical outcomes.
What’s in a Wake Word?
One easy way to solve the Alexa problem
“What can I do to help?”
Sign the Petition
Please join us in asking Amazon to rebrand by signing our petition at Change.org.
About I Am Alexa! Alliance
We are a non-profit organization made up of people named Alexa (and similar names), their parents, friends, and allies, who merged to start the I Am Alexa Alliance to further advocate for change and for best practices in Voice Tech.
Our Mission: We want to inspire humanity to put humans first. Our alliance is dedicated to reclaiming human names that are utilized for AI.
Our Vision: We believe in a world where respect for life experience of all people isn't ruled by an unchecked passion for progress.
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