December 4, 2023- Dutifully programming my Google Maps, for a friend’s medical appointment, I picked up friend and headed towards the designated locale. When we got to the spot, we found…….a gated community, a cul-de-sac and an overpass above a desert wash. A call to the provider earned us grace-and the names of cross streets,- 20 miles away, on the other side of the city. The algorithm interpreted the directional point in the street address, literally. It just got the wrong city. I double-checked my entry, to see if I had given the wrong information. No, the goober was AI.
We got to the proper location, after 30 minutes, and friend was seen by the gracious provider. All worked out well, and I got us back to Prescott, in time for me to help out at the soup kitchen. That was fortuitous, as they were short-staffed. It wasn’t that hard, though. I was the white rice guy and there was no need to wipe the tables afterward.
Goobers are a nuisance, though, and it would be a good idea if there were a feedback mechanism for Google Maps. This is not the first time that I’ve been steered wrong-and I know that others have gone through the same rigmarole. Of course, another option is to research the location from home. I did this before going to the Philippines, Newfoundland, Vancouver Island and Florida-after finding that I should have done so, before going to Paris and Brussels, nearly ten years ago. I will definitely do my homework, before next Fall’s international journey.
Crossed signals are not just limited to GPS and maps. Sometimes, in the past, I have gotten ahead of myself and not even been grounded in my feelings, before opening my mouth-or writing a message. Nowadays, checking my facts and emotional intelligence before speaking or writing, has generally made life a lot easier. In a few situations, this is tricky, but if I have to muddle through, that’s just how it has to be. I have a few friends who want to be given space, and they get it. When they are ready, I know they will reach out. Others are always happy to connect, and they bring me joy.
Gooberism can be avoided, with healthy self-checks, first thing in the morning, and periodically throughout the day.
A Sagittarian Seeker 
How frustrating that Google Maps sent you to the wrong correct address! When I was working, I learned not to write messages and send them if I was emotional about what the messages would say. Instead,, I wrote the messages and let them sit overnight — I called them 12-hour messages — and edited them before sending. It allowed me time to cool down so I didn’t say things I didn’t want to say, and saved me grief in a number of situations!
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Good strategy, Janet! I have gotten better about following a similar regimen. Oversharing was a big flaw of mine, about ten years ago.
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The Garmin has similar issues – but often will take us to a spot within 50 feet of where we want to be with a 10 foot high fence in the way – or a river, or a ravine. At least with addresses it is fairly accurate and follows established streets… Glad your friend’s doctor was so obliging!
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I remember Garmin, and Tom Tom, being very much the same as their Blue Tooth cousins.
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