The Observer Effect: Will Google Glass Change The Way We Behave?
Written by Craig Rogers, Posted on , in Section Inspirational
Sometime this year, Google will be releasing a new product with the potential to greatly change the way people interact. They call this product Google Glass and it is essentially a pair of glasses with computer built in. Many people are excited for Google Glass, seeing it a stride forward for technology, but could there be potential negative impacts we haven't fully considered?
How Widespread Will Google Glass Become?
Much of the concern of over the potential impact of Google Glass depends on how widespread this technology becomes. If after it's release it remains a rarity or something only the wealthy possess, it is unlikely to have widespread cultural ramifications. However if it becomes something like cell phone, which is ubiquitous in modern culture, then the impact could be tremendous. Furthermore, one must consider the likelihood that other similar products will spring up quickly after Google Glass is released. Even if Google Glass is not effective, it is likely that we will see some product of a similar nature become a huge seller in the near future.
Do You Act The Same When You're On Camera?
The main problem the widespread with adoption of this technology is the fact that a person will never know whether or not they are being recorded. This is already starting to become an issue now that nearly all cell phones include a video camera, but it is somewhat mitigated by the fact the it is fairly obvious when someone is using one to record. With an item like Google Glass, which appears just like regular glasses, one would have to be constantly aware of the possibility that the people around them are recording video.
How will this impact us culturally and individual level?
First of all, if a person must be constantly aware of the possibility they are being recorded it is likely they will be much more guarded in what they say. Everybody has slipped up and said something inappropriate, but in the past there was little risk that this oversight would follow you for a significant period of time. Another significant issue that could arise is the risk these present to privacy. If Google Glass becomes widespread and takes advantage of the advent of facial recognition software, it could quickly become nearly impossible to not have your movements tracked. Finally, one must consider the possibility that these glasses will offer such an immersive experience that people will become even more detached from what is going on around them. This is already a problem due to widespread smartphone use, and is likely to become even more noticeable with this new technology. Taking into account these consideration and the many other potential impacts of this new technology we must ask ourselves, is Google Glass worth the price we will all pay?
