Netizens Echo This TikToker's Mixed Feelings After Visiting Bank of America Branch With No Staff At All
The so-called Clarke’s Third Law, formulated by one of the greatest science fiction writers of all time, states: “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.” And in fact – what is the difference, for example, between the most ordinary smartphone with voice control and Tolkien’s famous palantir? Moreover, just as the average elf or hobbit could not explain palantir’s principle of operation, so we are unlikely to do the same in detail with regard to a smartphone.
In other words, real magic surrounds us: magic potions in the form of medicines, flying carpets at airports (and much more comfortable by the way!), leprechauns in ATMs… but with regard to banks, magic can be not only light, but also dark. At least some of the latest developments in banking really give some people the creeps.
For example, here is a video recently published by TikToker @mel__in__sd, and it tells us about how cutting-edge yet eerie modern technology can look in a bank. The video went viral with nearly 150K views and almost 16K likes, so let’s take a closer look at it together.
More info: TikTok
The author of the video one day came to a Bank of America branch and found no staff there
Image credits: mel__in__sd
So, the author of the video, named Mel, recently went to the nearest Bank of America branch, and was very surprised not to meet a single live employee there. In the literal sense of the word – the doors to the room were unlocked using the client’s bank card, and inside there were only a few ATMs and terminals, a table and some chairs.
Image credits: mel__in__sd
The sign on the wall claimed that a video chat option is available if the customer needs to consult any employee
If the visitor needed to consult with a bank employee, they could go to one of the two meeting rooms located nearby. A sign on the wall said that in these rooms you can conduct a video chat with an employee. However, whether there will be a living person on the other side of the screen, or an AI, Mel has not been able to find out.
Image credits: mel__in__sd
Image credits: mel__in__sd
The author admits that this branch in fact gave them a rather mixed impression
According to the author of the video, despite the fact that the bank branch looks quite futuristic, the impression is still mixed, because the absence of people leads to some weird thoughts. “I don’t know if I like living in the future,” Mel admits. “This gave me the creeps.”
Image credits: mel__in__sd
Image credits: mel__in__sd
These automated branches were launched first in 2017 and are now widespread
Bank of America began testing its staff-free branches back in 2017, and today there are many such branches throughout the country. The rooms here are about a quarter of the size of a typical branch. They were considered especially effective during the pandemic. Thus, it is believed that the bank can easily vary the number of its staff. “We have an ability to reshape our headcount pretty quickly just by the turnover that occurs,” said Bank of America’s CEO Brian Moynihan in a recent CNBC interview. Well, time will tell whether this approach is justified.
Image credits: mel__in__sd
People in the comments sided with the author, confessing that the video gives them the creeps as well
The opinions of people in the comments about such a banking novelty were strongly divided. Some commenters admit that if they go to a bank, they would definitely like to chat with a person, and you can actually Zoom with a bank employee from home. And commenters also come up with sad dystopian predictions like “social credit system coming to town soon…”
Image credits: Chad Davis
Some commenters believe that such innovations are certainly progressive, but on the other hand, by opening branches without employees, banks thereby reduce the number of jobs. “BoA was bragging on how much they pay their employees. Just to completely remove them so they don’t have to pay them,” one of the people in the comments sadly jokes.
@mel__in__sd This gave me the creeps #DoritosTriangleTryout #lbgt🌈 #dystopianfuture #newbanking #atm #wlw #queertiktok ♬ Bitch Betta Have My Money – Tyga
If you have already visited a similar branch of a bank without employees, then we’re looking forward to hearing from you about your impressions on it. And besides, expressing your own point of view in the comments below this post is, as usual, highly appreciated.
When I go to a bank, its because I need a person to do something that can't be done virtually. I can video chat from my own device at home.
What transactions do you need that require a physical person though? I've been using an online only bank for over 15 years and never once felt the need for a video chat, let alone a face-to-face. Also, not everyone *can* video chat from home - it may not be safe for them to do so or they may not be able to for other practical reasons.
There are many things that must be done in person. Not because I want to but because banking regulation requires it. The real kicker is they're opening staffless banks thereby cutting their operating cost but I don't see them lowering their interest rates or paying higher interest on savings accounts, CDs etc. Banks are robbers supported by the government. I've worked for 2 and they have more ways of taking your money than you can possibly imagine. How long do you think it will be before they start charging for these virtual banking calls? Just look at most DMVs now. They're a monopoly to begin with and now you can't get anything done unless you make an appointment. Sorry but most people work for a living and can't always just go at someone else's convenience and most of their services still can't be done online.
Agreed, to some extent re: accessibility. I've been to a physical bank three times in the past decade. Twice to access a safe deposit box. Once to get last minute foreign currency (better rate than the exchange). Oh and once to get nice crisp bills for a gift
The real question is why anybody still banks with BofA.
Buckle Up. Conspiracy theories just keep getting checked off as fact more and more
When I go to a bank, its because I need a person to do something that can't be done virtually. I can video chat from my own device at home.
What transactions do you need that require a physical person though? I've been using an online only bank for over 15 years and never once felt the need for a video chat, let alone a face-to-face. Also, not everyone *can* video chat from home - it may not be safe for them to do so or they may not be able to for other practical reasons.
There are many things that must be done in person. Not because I want to but because banking regulation requires it. The real kicker is they're opening staffless banks thereby cutting their operating cost but I don't see them lowering their interest rates or paying higher interest on savings accounts, CDs etc. Banks are robbers supported by the government. I've worked for 2 and they have more ways of taking your money than you can possibly imagine. How long do you think it will be before they start charging for these virtual banking calls? Just look at most DMVs now. They're a monopoly to begin with and now you can't get anything done unless you make an appointment. Sorry but most people work for a living and can't always just go at someone else's convenience and most of their services still can't be done online.
Agreed, to some extent re: accessibility. I've been to a physical bank three times in the past decade. Twice to access a safe deposit box. Once to get last minute foreign currency (better rate than the exchange). Oh and once to get nice crisp bills for a gift
The real question is why anybody still banks with BofA.
Buckle Up. Conspiracy theories just keep getting checked off as fact more and more