Lots of apps are getting built-in AI features these days, and theyre often disappointing.
Instead of just reporting data, it asks questions.
It asksyouto do a little analysis, a little introspection.
And I think Oura is really onto something here.
Anytime I asked it a question, it would give an answer but then bounce it back to me.
How was I feeling?
What things have I tried lately?
These seemed like dodges, not insights.
“Your sedentary time has decreased to 6h 11m, it told me one day.
How are you feeling about your movement?”
If you tap on the notification, it will start a conversation with you about that topic.
(After reporting my recent stress scores) How are you feeling about managing stress this week?
(After suggesting relaxation methods) Do any of these resonate with you?
One day, the Advisor even explained its strategy to me.
Thinking back on the last few days, how have you felt about your sleep quality?
Self-reflection can reveal insights about your priorities and help you adjust your routines.
Its understandable to want extra relaxation time after a busy day, it said.
Then it asked me: How does that sound to you?
Iknowits not telling me anything I couldnt have told it.
The Advisor is just restating my own concerns in a gentle, curious manner.
But, goddammit, I think its helping.
We just need to go through the process of setting our thoughts in order.
What is most important?
What should we do next?
What tools do we already have that can help us?
One of the best demonstrations of this is a program written in the 1960s, the famous chatbot Eliza.
You cantry out a simple version of Eliza here.
by getting them to talk about theirownmotivation for making the change.
You dont tell them what to do, you just allow them to tell themselves.
