To Siri With Love Analysis

The Apple of My Eye: An Analysis of “To Siri, with Love: How One Boy with Austism Became BFF with Apple’s Siri” Judith Newman’s “To Siri, with Love: How One Boy with Austism Became BFF with Apple’s Siri” is an article showing the relationship between Gus, her autistic son, and Siri. Austism limits Gus’ ability to socialize and carry-on thought provoking conversations about random topics, but Gus loves to discuss topics he is passionate about such as “trains, planes, buses, escalators and, of course anything related to weather” (Newman 2). Siri is Apple’s voice control program that allows its users to quickly access applications and various information. Together, Gus and Siri establish a strong friendship in which Siri helps Gus advance himself socially. Newman shows her gratitude for Siri’s ability to enhance her son’s manners and social skills, while also being his bestfriend. As a result of autism, Gus is “communications-impaired,” but his conversations with Siri expose him to good manners, which he is able to translate in his everyday lifestyle (Newman 1). Gus
Newman confirms that Gus is aware that Siri is not human, but she also shows her son’s love and compassion for Siri. As a child Gus showed his mother that he believed Siri is “worthy of our consideration” by taking his iPod to the Apple store, “so it can visit its friends” (Newman 2). Gus’ long, reoccuring conversations with Siri answered fearful questions Newman often asked herself. Her questions pertain to Gus, but appeal to many parents own concerns for their children. Gus’ relationship with Siri shows that “love,” “companionship,” and “happiness” are not restricted, and can be found with anyone or anything. Newman is relieved to hear Gus discuss marriage with Siri, not because her thirteen yearold son asked Siri to marry him, but because he has a “thought about marriage” (Newman