‘SHE NEEDS TO BE A VOICE ACTOR IMMEDIATELY!’: Virginia woman orders through ‘AI’ drive-thru at McDonald’s. Then she pulls up to the window
Whether we like it or not, artificial intelligence is slowly becoming a bigger part of everyone’s lives.
Companies have invested millions into customer-facing artificial intelligence products, often getting mixed responses in the process. For example, customers have complained about AI-generated art being sold in chain stores, and internet users say artificial intelligence has ruined services they used to love.
One area of particular controversy is the fast food drive-thru. While some companies implemented AI-powered drive-thru systems, others have rolled back the technology after customers found ways to break the drive-thru chatbots.
Now, one internet user is going viral for sharing an interesting experience with an A.I.-powered drive-thru—but is it really AI-powered?
Did This McDonald’s Get An AI-Powered Drive-Thru?
In a video with over 1.6 million views, TikToker Ms. KiKi (@ms.kiki75) shows a drive-thru speaker at a McDonald’s in Virginia Beach.
The voice coming through the speaker sounds distinctly robotic. Still, Ms. KiKi is able to complete her order without issue.
However, it quickly becomes clear that something is amiss.
“Y’all, look at this,” the TikToker starts. “Watch this.”
When the TikToker gets to the drive-thru window, she reveals that there’s no robot at all. Instead, the drive-thru worker simply has a calming, distinct voice that sounds incredibly robotic.
“Y’all thought she was a computer last time!” the TikToker exclaims. The worker then demonstrates her talents again, to which the TikToker responds with an excited scream.
Why Do AI Voices Sound Like That?
Although many were quick to believe that the worker sounded like a robot, some couldn’t exactly identify why.
There are a few reasons why one might believe that this worker was AI. First, more often than not, AI programs opt for a female-sounding voice over a male one.
According to CNN, this is for a few reasons. Several studies found that people respond better to female-sounding voices than male ones. Additionally, significant testing indicates that people respond better to directions when they’re coming from a female voice, which explains why many car manufacturers make a car’s default “voice” feminine.
Is That The Only Reason?
There are also other factors that may lead one to believe that the worker’s voice was created using AI.
For example, the worker utilizes tonality and a manner of emphasis that isn’t typically used in everyday conversation. One expert consulted by the BBC noted that irregular pauses and awkward phrasing can be signs that a voice was generated using AI—both details are present in the worker’s speech.
That said, it should be noted that McDonald’s does not currently appear to use AI in its drive-thrus, ending the practice in June 2024.
@ms.kiki75 While at McDonald’s on Newtown Rd in Va Beach….. wait for it…..
♬ original sound – Ms KiKi
Commenters Love It
In the comments section, users expressed their love for the worker’s voice.
“SHE NEEDS TO BE A VOICE ACTOR IMMEDIATELY!” exclaimed a commenter.
“She’s actually making her job easier,” noted another. “When people think it’s AI they make their order very clear and concise.”
“She said AI ain’t taking her job!!” shared a third.
The Mary Sue reached out to McDonald’s via email and Ms. KiKi via TikTok direct message and comment.
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