Kiosks are everywhere these days, in malls, restaurants, and even airports. However, despite their supposed ease of use, there’s something about kiosks that brings out the unexpected and funny in people. Whether it’s trying to figure out a touch screen, or not speaking the language, these gadgets do cause some pretty hilarious reactions.

Misinterpreting the Touchscreen

Touchscreens are everything with kiosks, but only some realize it. Some potential customers and new users think the screen just works on its own and they wave their hands or fingers over the display, assuming it will lead into action. Or if nothing happens after that occurs for a few seconds then they push on the screen harder thinking it will magically work. It’s funny to watch people get frustrated and bewildered because they don’t know how to operate the equipment but it can be irritating too – especially if you’re waiting behind them in line.

Button Overload

Many kiosks have several buttons to help users along in the process. But for some people, pressing all of the buttons at once because they’re not quite sure which one is going to get them what they want is a serious consideration. It’s not uncommon to watch as someone literally starts pressing every button on the kiosk, and then you get to sit by and listen them mutter under their breath (usually as an ongoing soundtrack for the rest of us who can’t help but laugh) about how “This damn computer doesn’t work right”, or “Stupid machine!” or sometimes worse.

The Accidental Selfie

Some kiosks, such as those in use at airports, have cameras for identity verification. Sadly, many customers do not know that and unintentionally take selfies as they move about the system. It’s weird but unsurprisingly, it leads to confusion when a customer’s face pops up on screen. Anyway, some of us just take the moment, and then there are other (the unfortunate) ones — a species that frantically hunt for an undo button to erase their unintended selfie. It is fun for the viewer but it also suggests in a light-hearted manner to stay alert.

Overly Cautious Users

I have even seen some customers be very tentative with the kiosk, as though they are afraid to break it. They touch the screen gently, evaluate each choice one by one, and sometimes even take a minute or more to execute on something trivial. For those waiting in line for them to finish simply printing a receipt, or taking an order of some fast food — this all the more lengthy cycle turns into something hilarious. And the fake exaggerated sigh of relief with an eye roll or a smug look on their face as they walk away is … .well it’s just everything.

Language Barrier Mishaps

Kiosks frequently include multilingual options to are more accessible for users across numerous regions. By mistake, while in hurry sometimes customers select a language that they do not understand! This often results in hilarious scenes as users puzzle their way through uncharted waters of words and characters. Efforts to switch back create laughter, Worried look and feel on their face one can read it in between.

Taking on Receipt Printers

Even though they are small devices, receipt printers have their own moments of infuriating! From a printing delay to getting paper jammed in the printer, customers are having hilarious fights with these printers. A few might pull on the paper slot, or they shake the machine a little thinking that it would be helpful. The customer’s expression of victory when the receipt finally comes out always made bystanders laugh.

Hilarious Voice Commands

Sometimes voice-activated kiosks, which are supposed to provide a more convenient user experience, add their own laughter. This can result in unexpected output because the system may misinterpret the request based on accents or phrasing. And everyone else laughs as the customers repeat themselves a little louder, or change their tone in frustration. What makes this more amusing is when the kiosk replies in a manner that could not be further from helpful — suggesting unrelated offers or resetting the customer journey.

Patience Running Thin

When a kiosk malfunctions, these repeated failures cause other customers to become frustrated. This results in more and even a loud form of talking machine sarcastic comments or minor complaints. Their over-the-top gestures with their arms and hands, throwing them in the air or violently pressing buttons just are never not funny to watch. The best part is the relief on behalf of the customer when a staff member leaps in to take care of it all, adding a final bit of humor.

Unexpected Delight

Conversely, just as Mr Brown is grateful when a kiosk functions flawlessly, there are others who feel absolutely… at one. That added to the line and customers who were obnoxiously delighted with their creations from a magical box that was quite literally saving them time (I watched some say thank you…and did so myself…to those machines. Their responses in the form of smiles, pumped fists and short little dancing with joy give everyone else in line a warm burst reminiscent of summer. It goes to show, in a realm of technology there is still room for good ol’ surprises.

Conclusion

Kiosks, specifically built to make processes faster and easier, are often on the receiving end of amusement with funny or strange reactions from users. Whether we are fighting with touchscreens or chuckling at accidental selfies, kiosks serve as a great reminder of how human-machine moments can induce lots of giggles and some warm hearts! As long as these machines continue to be useful in society, the tales they inspire will go on forever.