this post was submitted on 26 Feb 2026
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Burger King will use AI to check if employees say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ (www.theverge.com)
submitted 4 days ago by UnderpantsWeevil@lemmy.world to c/technology@lemmy.world
182 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

The company compiled information from franchisees and guests on how to measure friendliness, resulting in the fast food chain training its AI system to recognize certain words and phrases, such as “welcome to Burger King,” “please,” and “thank you.” Managers can then ask the AI assistant how their location is performing on friendliness.

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[–] CaptPretentious@lemmy.world 7 points 2 days ago (1 children)

I already wasn't eating BK. And this makes me want to even less. The fake/forced "friendliness" I personally find off-putting. It's like Chick-fil-a they have to say "my pleasure". Just some force creepy cult vibes (for some very mediocre food). Idk, maybe it's me, but knowing someone is being micro-enslaved (sorry, "managed") just rubs me the very wrong way.

Plus side, my hatred for AI and all these places forcing it on customers, I've spent WAY less money eating out and have been eating way better. So silver lining I suppose.

[–] ranzispa@mander.xyz 1 points 2 days ago

To be fair, this forced friendlies I have found in many restaurants and bars in the US. A very annoying behaviour. But apparently, people over there will complain if the waiter has not been around annoying them by asking if they need something else all the time. Workers are already being forced to put up such a show because customers like it. I don't think the problem is using AI to check this, but rather that this behaviour is being forced onto workers in the first place.