Keep your Class, Stop Hating the Glass

The development of Google Glass has stirred up conversation about how technology seems to be intruding into every aspect of our daily lives.  But how intrusive is too intrusive?  Many argue that Google Glass invades personal privacy and creates a "surveillance environment" for those around wearers.

This perception of the device has ignited hostility in critics towards wearers.  For example, a woman claimed to have been attacked at a bar for wearing the glasses a few days ago.  The situation calls to attention the potential complications that come with any wearable device.  Although they may have the same function as other devices, their "eye-catching" style serves as a constant reminder to others that they could be recorded at any moment.

While it may make others uncomfortable to be having a conversation with a wearer with the potential of being secretly recorded, I think the real problem is simply that we are not accustomed to them yet. Just as with the introduction of photography or cell phones, we are uncomfortable with the unfamiliar and with things that we do not fully understand.

Also, the fear of constant surveillance from the glasses seems invalid to me, since we live in a highly surveillance society.  There's little that we do or say that is not captured either on a surveillance camera or on social media.  In addition, the glasses do not record at all times, and I would assume that, most of the time, they are not.

With their gradual acceptance into society, the skepticism over Google Glass will surely fade away.  Once everyone begins to utilize wearables, they won't seem as intrusive or strange to us.  So, everyone needs to calm down and recognize that Google Glass and other high-tech wearables are the face of the near future.

With that being said, I have to side with John in questioning whether the accessory would be appropriate in an intimate or private setting.  I would certainly not want to go to a dinner or a bar and be in the company of others sporting the glasses.  However, I would not like to go to a dinner or a bar in the company of others who are glued to their phones.  The question of appropriate places for Google Glass is more of a question of appropriate places for any form of technology- use your common sense.