I know a lot of people are worried about machines replacing people and whatnot, but I have to admit I kind of like the less social way of doing things. I am all for self-checkouts and online ordering.

I find that the positives far outweigh the negatives when it comes to avoiding human interactions. I don’t mind talking to people for the most part, but I would much rather just skip the hassle and use the self-checkout. Online ordering apps have really spoiled me lately. Sonic, specifically, has online ordering and it is so nice. I can order a coffee when I leave my house, check in and immediately have someone coming to my car with my drink. It is so convenient. I also don’t have to yell my order at the screen and hope they hear me correctly. 

Using the Sonic app is so easy and convenient. I do it so often. I am kind of ashamed about how often I go just because of the simplicity of ordering. I wish all online ordering was like that. I never quite grasped the McDonalds mobile ordering or taken advantage of other fast food apps. All I know is that whatever Sonic is doing is working. No this is not an ad for Sonic, I just think that app is great. 

I only started using it because their card readers would not accept my gift cards. I had a few Sonic gift cards I was trying to use a few years ago and every time I tried to use it, the machine would not register it. I eventually gave up and kept paying with cash, but then I learned I can load the gift cards on the app. 

I also just do not like calling people. I used to hate calling a restaurant and placing an order. I don’t really know why I didn’t like it, I just always felt embarrassed. A few places I go to often now have online ordering. The food truck, TAKO, is first of all SO good and second now offers online orders. It is so easy to go online and place my order, pay and know exactly when it is ready. 

Maybe the fact I love avoiding interactions so much means I am antisocial. I chose a strange profession if that is the case. I don’t mind talking to people, it is just so much easier when I don’t have to. There are a lot of negatives that come with online ordering and self-checkouts. Machines make mistakes. Online ordering requires internet connection and good service. I once typed the wrong stall number when I checked in at Sonic once and had to hope no one was in the one I accidentally selected. 

There are a lot of downsides, and I don’t want machines to replace or take away human interactions. I just appreciate the option. I know a lot of people still like to talk to a person and order things in person. A lot of people also love to read a physical newspaper opposed to reading online. I just enjoy having different options. 

Standard reporter Bethany Porter can be reached at (931) 473-2191.