AI assistants still need a human touch

The author reflects on their first encounter with a digital paperclip named Clippy in the 1990s, designed to assist but often got in the way with unwanted advice. Despite advancements, AI systems still struggle to understand and adapt to user intent. The original promise of AI was to create seamless, intuitive, and personal experiences, but many systems today feel mechanical and rigid. Clippy's flaw was its lack of contextual awareness, failing to learn from interactions and understand user preferences. Even modern AI assistants like Siri often require specific phrasing, revealing a deeper issue of a one-size-fits-all mentality. Building a smarter assistant requires retaining context, respecting privacy, and delivering personalized experiences. Personalization is key to breaking the Clippy cycle, shifting AI from tools to trusted partners. The next leap in AI will be about emotional intelligence, adapting tone, remembering personal context, and continuity. For AI to thrive, it must be designed with real humans in mind, adapting to unique needs and respecting individuality.