We are all used to being nudged. It starts in childhood.
Mother: So did you send your aunt a thank you note for the nice sweater she gave you for your birthday? Nudge.
Father: So have you finished cleaning the basement for when your cousins are coming over next week? Nudge.
Teacher: Just a friendly reminder, your rough draft for your reports with five references are due on Monday. Nudge.
Now I am being nudged by Google mail. Whenever someone sends me an email, I get a Googe nudge asking me if I have responded to my friend yet. Perhaps I didn't respond to the email because I don't want to drive sixty miles for a barbecue and can't figure out how to get out of it.
Google also has a habit of giving me suggestions on how to finish my sentence. If I like the suggestion, I just push the tab key. Of course, I may find myself saying something I didn't intend to say. Perhaps I said I would like to "propose ... a get together" and the statement becomes "propose marriage". That could get one into real trouble.
Editor's note: Of course you are welcome to comment on this blog. Nudge Nudge.
