I Think I Found an AI Agent Worth the Risk
wired ·
The author evaluates Instinct, an invite-only AI agent that operates via iMessage and WhatsApp, after previous experiences with other tools like Claude Cowork proved underwhelming. Instinct successfully handled complex tasks such as booking restaurant reservations in Venice and navigating a flight cancellation to save the author $550 on an Alaska Airlines ticket. The agent also demonstrated protective capabilities by warning the user about a phishing scam disguised as a social invitation. However, the experience highlights significant risks, including potential security vulnerabilities, aggressive API usage that led to account bans for other users, and data retention issues. The author notes that Instinct’s terms allow it to use conversations for training, and it once erroneously canceled a delayed DoorDash order, costing the user $64 without offering compensation. Despite these flaws and the chaotic nature of the assistant, the author remains willing to accept the trade-offs due to the tangible productivity gains and time saved.
wired