It’s likely that Alexa was simply pulling information from the web, and simply lacks the necessary abilities to judge whether or not the information is safe and worthy of serving up. Like many other recent dangerous trends, the so-called penny challenge gained popularity on social media platforms like TikTok. Inserting a penny or other metal objects into a power outlet or making contact with something that’s plugged in could lead to electrocution, sparks, fires, or damage to the electrical wiring. Needless to say, it isn’t something anyone should attempt, and hopefully no one else has received the suggestion and actually carried it out.
While the methods of gaining access to the internet have changed since the early days, one thing that hasn’t changed is that the wealth of information available isn’t always appropriate or safe for kids. Scams on the internet are everywhere, and finding the dividing line between legitimate information and that which is dangerous, inadvisable, or downright false can be difficult even for adult internet users, let alone digital algorithms or children. While this particular problem has been resolved, it’s always a good idea for parents to keep a close eye on their kids when using devices like these, no matter how child-friendly they may be marketed as being.
Source: BBC
