I Let Claude Read My Email (ericbrookfield.com)

In a personal experiment, a user created a TypeScript tool that leverages Claude, an AI model, to manage an overwhelming inbox of over 7,000 unread emails. By connecting to Fastmail’s JMAP API, the script categorizes emails into four tiers: auto-delete, auto-archive, confirm, and attention, effectively filtering out irrelevant messages and retaining the most crucial ones. Notably, the AI's classification performance surpassed that of existing solutions like Gmail’s auto-categorization, adeptly understanding context based on subject lines, senders, and content. The significance of this development lies in its demonstration of AI's practical application in everyday tasks, showcasing how it can alleviate the mental burden of tedious activities such as email management. With two-thirds of the inbox deemed unnecessary and an impressive accuracy in identifying important messages, this approach highlights the potential for AI to enhance productivity and streamline digital experiences. The user emphasizes the importance of implementing cautious handling—a principle instilled in the AI’s training to avoid deleting essential emails, underscoring a responsible and user-centered design in AI applications.