The reaction of a 91-year-old Cuban interacting for the first time with Alexa, Amazon's virtual assistant, has gone viral on TikTok, sparking a wave of emotional, nostalgic, and amusing comments.
The video was shared by his daughter, identified on social media as Yare de Cuba (@yaremy80), who documented the moment when her father, living in Spain, asks Alexa to play songs by José José and Benny Moré. Upon hearing the assistant respond instantly, the man cannot hide his astonishment: “What a remarkable thing! How quickly it searches for that music…”.
“My 91-year-old Cuban father doesn't understand what Alexa was. Welcome to Spain”, his daughter wrote in the post.
The scene prompted an avalanche of reactions filled with tenderness and emotion. Comments like “How beautiful,” “He was moved by the music, so lovely,” and “How little it takes to bring joy and surprise to our elders” were repeated time and again. Others shared similar experiences with family members in Venezuela, Nicaragua, or Cuba, highlighting how these devices have transformed the way elders access music and information.
There were also comments referring to the contrast with life on the island: "They won't believe that in Cuba," said one. "After living in that communist dictatorship, it must seem unbelievable to them," noted another.
This is not the first viral video featuring this Cuban. His daughter has shared other intimate and everyday moments where he is seen enjoying the sun or astonished by everyday realities in other places, but dreamed of by many Cubans, such as when he enjoyed his first buffet after leaving Cuba.
The excitement of discovering Alexa has led to other viral videos among Cubans. In July 2024, a user from Houston tried to get Alexa to understand his rendition of “Rivers of Babylon”, with hilariously failed results. This moment was captured in this article: “Alexa never understands Cubans”.
In February of this year, another Cuban residing in the United States made headlines afterasking Alexa for a song by Amanda Miguel. Her reaction was immediate: “I am a millionaire, don't mention Cuba to me anymore!”
Although these videos often have a humorous tone, they also reveal a deep truth: the emotional impact these tools have when people access them for the first time, especially if they have spent most of their lives without digital connection.
Seeing a 91-year-old man enjoy his favorite music simply by saying it aloud is not only heartwarming but also a reminder that it’s never too late to be surprised and excited by something new.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Reaction of Cubans to Technology and Life Abroad
Why did a 91-year-old Cuban's reaction to discovering Alexa go viral?
The reaction went viral due to the genuine emotion and surprise of the man interacting for the first time with a virtual assistant, a reality that many Cubans have yet to experience due to technological limitations on the island. The video sparked a wave of comments filled with affection and nostalgia on social media.
How has technology like Alexa impacted Cubans living abroad?
The impact has been significant, surprising and thrilling many Cubans who have spent much of their lives without access to advanced technologies. These devices not only provide entertainment but also offer a sense of abundance and modernity that contrasts sharply with experiences in Cuba.
What does access to technologies like Alexa symbolize for Cubans?
Access to technology symbolizes a significant change in quality of life and a connection to the modern world that many Cubans have not had the opportunity to experience in their homeland. For emigrants, it represents a contrast to life in Cuba and often serves as a reason for reflection on the limitations on the island.
How do Cubans react when they experience common products and services in other countries for the first time?
The reaction is often one of astonishment and excitement, as many of these products and services, common in other countries, are considered luxuries in Cuba. The videos capturing these reactions have gone viral, showcasing the emotional impact of accessing a level of abundance unknown to many Cubans.
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