Within the era of quick judgments, it’s tempting to think we’re more clever than anyone else. But from AI to Apple to senior tech, underestimating others comes at a risk: being seriously flawed. — Anna

Don’t underestimate your granny

When the U.S. surgeon general’s advisory called out “our epidemic of loneliness and isolation,” heads immediately turned to social media and its risks for youngsters and teenagers.

I can only agree with Dr. Vivek Murthy that social connection and community have healing effects, but I’m on the fence on where technology stands. Sure, it could make us more isolated, but it could also connect us.

Dor Skuler, a founder I met recently, thinks that age makes a difference. “While the surgeon general warns technology is a contributing factor for teen loneliness, the report and our data shows the alternative holds true for older adults,” he said.

Skuler is referring to the insights gathered by his company, Intuition Robotics. He has a horse within the race: Its flagship product is ElliQ, an AI companion aiming to attain “healthier, happier aging.” But he also has data: After years in beta testing, ElliQ is being distributed to American seniors through several state aging agencies.