[cjhopman]

Who cares what the definition is? How people interpret it is what matters. And people interpret the word to imply that the software is better than it is.

IIHS did a survey of 2000 people and a driver assistance system named "Autopilot" received the most responses that overestimated the system's capabilities. For example, "Nearly half — 48% — thought it would be safe to take hands off the steering wheel when using the system." In general, about 50% more people overestimated the capabilities of Autopilot compared to the names used by industry leaders (ex. SuperCruise, ProPilot Assist). Other things users were more likely to think they could do with "AutoPilot" included texting and watching a video.

See https://www.iihs.org/news/detail/new-studies-highlight-drive...

[bananabreakfast]

"Who cares what the definition is?"

Are you serious?? Literally everyone.

Definitions are what things mean. People incorrectly interpreting a word is their own fault and are in need of education.

Also, that's a terrible study to highlight. It is totally safe to take your hands off the steering wheel as long as you are ready to react.

[spookthesunset]

> People incorrectly interpreting a word is their own fault and are in need of education.

Do you honestly think Tesla called it "auto pilot" with your pedantic, "technically correct" definition in mind? Or do you think they intentionally called it "auto pilot" to invoke a sense of "hey, this thing can drive itself!". I mean, in some of their marketing they even have a whimsical blurb about how "the driver is only present to make the lawyers happy".

Let's be honest here. Product naming is marketing designed to invoke certain emotions. Calling it "auto pilot" instead of "driver assist" or whatever most other manufacturers call it was very intentionally done.

[FireBeyond]

> I mean, in some of their marketing they even have a whimsical blurb about how "the driver is only present to make the lawyers happy".

Exactly. You can read one piece of copy about Summon, that says "Have your finger on this button. Maintain visual contact and pay attention with vehicle at all times", and on the same page. "Have your car come to you while you are distracted by a fussing child".

It's all very nudge nudge wink wink.

[matz1]

Well yeah, they have to do that to for marketing. Its smart thing to do. I would do the same.

[toast0]

English is a consensus based language, not a language ruled by any official.

Words mean what people think they mean. Definitions are what the author of the dictionary thinks people think they mean.

Unless you're going to spend the time and money and effort educating people on what a word might have once meant and what you would like it to mean again, you're kind of stuck with it. Tesla has absolutely chosen AutoPilot as their name because they know some people will think it has more capability than it does because some people don't know most plane's autopilot is fairly dumb.

[Angostura]

> People incorrectly interpreting a word is their own fault and are in need of education.

You misused "Literally".