🤔 Are You Ready to Let an AI Agent Shop for You? (AARP Article)

[Winter2025VA]

FROM THE ARTICLE.

Autonomous ‘agentic AIs’ can act on your behalf and even pay for stuff. But guardrails are essential.

By Edward C. Baig, AARP.

*** There is 1 comment on the AARP Website. Stop by to add yours. ***

Published July 18, 2025.

I've been busy shopping online: for a laptop, flights for a family vacation, groceries too.

But instead of methodically researching deals and recommendations on my own, I recently enlisted an artificial intelligence agent from ChatGPT owner OpenAI named Operator, which not only took care of all that but also, with my say-so, was ready to spend my money.

USE LINK BELOW TO READ THE ARTICLE.

https://www.aarp.org/personal-technology/ready-for-ai-shopping.html

[GailL1]

I can see how this would be somewhat beneficial but knowing me, I would probably recheck it to make sure I am getting the [whatever] specific to my needs and at a competitive price. 

So instead of doing it FOR me, I would more prefer it give me just the details and the facts and then I can decide.  Course, it has to point out all the small print stuff that sometimes trips folks up - the exclusions, cautions, and availability or any special info.  

 But doing the actual shopping - fine with me - cause I hate shopping.  

[Winter2025VA]

Lol @GailL1 , I hate shopping, ALWAYS have & have to need something really badly to do this. Thanks for stopping by, Nicole!

---

@GailL1 wrote:

I can see how this would be somewhat beneficial but knowing me, I would probably recheck it to make sure I am getting the [whatever] specific to my needs and at a competitive price. 

So instead of doing it FOR me, I would more prefer it give me just the details and the facts and then I can decide.  Course, it has to point out all the small print stuff that sometimes trips folks up - the exclusions, cautions, and availability or any special info.  

 But doing the actual shopping - fine with me - cause I hate shopping.  

---

[Winter2025VA]

Nope and I luv "self checkout" so I can pack my groceries my way = NO delivery services either.

Geez, seems AI is rapidly taking over the world. NOT good!!!

What happens when it "malfuntions"....

Take care,

Nicole (Friends & Family Forum)

[GaPeach72]

 There is no way I would allow that!!!  People, especially the younger ones, are already being dumbed down by social media and the internet.  

[Winter2025VA]

@GaPeach72 , thanks for stopping by!!! At age 67 I "miss" some of the old ways. Seems to me "machines" are taking over and we are losing the "human" part of life. For example, it is like you NEVER know IF a stranger is "speaking" to you or someone on their cell. Lol, I have "learn't" to CHECK their ears BEFORE making a fool of myself & respond. Geez!!! Personally, I donot spend alot of time on cell or internet, hate them both & use as "needed" - seek relaxation elsewhere.  😉  Take care, Nicole!

[GaPeach72]

 Hey Nicole, at 72, I really miss the old ways. You're absolutely right about trusting people on the internet. I'm an introvert and was in a couple of groups on FB, with like people. The scammers on FB is unbelievable!!! Sadly, I don't trust anyone on the internet...you don't know what their agenda is. Usually scamming.

[Winter2025VA]

@GaPeach72 , the ONLY "online" I do is this site. Lol, TOO OLD for the Drama Kings & Queens. We do have a few here but AARP is really good about reeling them in. GLAD you have joined us my friend. Welcome!!!

Nicole  💛

[GaPeach72]

 Thank you very much! I'm too old for all that nonsense too. I no longer go on

FB, what a waste of time. I love the games AARP has. Have a good night!

[Winter2025VA]

You are welcome @GaPeach72 !!! That is AWESOME you are enjoying the AARP Games. Sweet Dreams  😴  Nicole!