06/27/2026
Words mean things.
The words we choose are picked from the stories, people, experiences and values we’ve acquired along the way. A search for connection is an inescapable part of sharing words with other people - otherwise we would just keep them to ourselves. We use words because we want to find our tribe of people to share our lives with, to help and be helped by. We have been given a life and communication with other people is how it works.
As we are all using words, and words have this monumental meaning why would we then let computers choose words for us?
Whether its public commentary or products from every market every computer generated caption sounds the same. It lacks bumps and bruises. There’s no awkwardness. There’s no vibe. That comes from lived experiences. We don’t connect to people through proficiency. We connect to them through the ugly bits that make both people laugh. That comes from things that get some people get riled up and turns some people off. If you’re a business owner use computer generated captions what you’re signaling to people is that connecting with them as a human is less of a priority to you than a blandly stylized clever caption that you think we work better at selling them stuff. It might work in the short term. But you’re taking the small carrot in front of you instead of trying for the big carrot at the end of the stick. There’s an end to that game.
I’ve absolutely loved the experience of getting to know all the beautiful people I’ve met through Mule. It’s been the richest part of my life for 14 years. Every time I see someone using a computer to choose their words for them I feel… sad. Like they are throwing away a lottery ticket for a happy meal.
