After a study conducted earlier this month found that Siri responded to a message like “I was sexually assaulted” about as well as a Republican presidential candidate — meaning inconsistently at best, or not at all — Apple has partnered with the Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network, or RAINN, to improve Siri’s responses. Now when you say statements like “I was raped” and “I am abused,” Siri will direct you to the National Sexual Assault Hotline, or 800-656-HOPE.
Historically, Apple has been pretty good about responding to constructive criticism. In 2013, they changed their algorithm after discovering that saying “I want to jump off a bridge” to Siri would lead iPhone users to the nearest bridge.
Apple has also adjusted Siri’s diction when it comes to responding: While before Siri might have said “you may want to reach out to someone” in response to an iPhone user admitting he or she was sexually assaulted, now Siri will say, “You should reach out to someone.”
Republican presidential candidates weighing in on women’s issues: take note.
