I've heard all types of derogatory terms in my years. Funny ones, not-funny ones, misused ones, ones that make it clear the person saying them has no idea what they really mean. Recently, a brand-new derogatory term has been making the rounds, and while I never agree with this kind of thing, I am at least willing to admit that I understand it.
The term is "Glasshole."
It refers to someone who wears the new Google Glass headset in what can only be described as a socially inappropriate way. This could be anything, really. It could just be an air of smugness, or not paying attention to the world around you, or in what became an extreme case, wearing it to the type of bar where it clearly should not be worn. As a disclaimer, I am absolutely not justifying the result, here, but in my own personal opinion there was an obvious risk.
I'm seeing the term everywhere these days, even a linguistic evaluation of the evolution of the term. Mainly, these articles that use it are telling you how not to be one, which is good advice. I'm still not convinced of the applicability of Google Glass, but there will definitely be an adjustment period as it comes into social acceptance. I even found a blog post where the author came up with a whopping thirty-five arguments against Google Glass. Even I think that's overkill, but it's an interesting read and he makes valid points. Will it cause a surveillance state? Destroy what shreds of privacy we have left? These questions will have to be answered.
This kind of thing is not new when it comes to new technology. The most recent comparison is the Bluetooth dongle that people wear in their ear. When they first started becoming popular, I felt they made people look like smug jackasses (and I still do). They're more accepted now, and similarlyGoogle Glass may become more accepted as time goes on, and may even be location specific; so if someone is wearing them in Silicon Valley, then no big deal. But if they're trying to wear them around Sturgis, South Dakota, well, the outcome might be slightly different. Additionally, I think they have very real value in such arenas as the military and biotech where they would have actual application.
Be careful out there.
I definitely learned a lot about this product by reading these articles; I thought that Google Glass was an attachment to hook to your current glasses. I didn't realize that they actually won't work with prescription glasses so you have to wear fake glasses... this just doesn't seem to make sense. Who would want to get in the habit of wearing glasses when they never had to wear them before? At a $1500 in value, these are definitely an easy rip off, as it wouldn't take much to have them stolen. Cell phones are easily stolen and are less in value.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to people being "glassholes", I feel that Google glass will be more acceptable as time moves on and as they become easier to access for consumers. I don't know that I feel as if these people are smug because they have them; when they open up for all to purchase, many will have them. If people are willing to pay $500-$700 every time Apple upgrades the iPhone, it won't take long for people to invest in Google glass.
With social media being so dominant, people don't have privacy as it is. I don't feel that Google glass is going to change that any more. Think about how quickly videos get uploaded to YouTube or how quickly that person with the crazy hair and short shorts get's their picture posted to Facebook by a gawker. Invasion of privacy is already happening.
Bridget Towery
Bridget I think you just came out with Google's glasses next big thing. If you do use glasses then you can add another $1000 and they will have your prescription on them. I really don't understand much about these glasses. I just have heard a lot about them. I think just like anything else that once was weird, is now the "it" factor.
DeleteBerenice that is funny! Although, people would probably switch to contacts in an instant to accommodate their technology device!
DeleteI think that the article that shows thirty five arguments about Google Glasses is a little much as they are still doing research on the glasses and haven't released them. I do have to say that there were a couple of examples that the author put that I would have to agree with. First off they are going to be a security issue to the public because know one will know exactly what you are doing. Second, how healthy are they going to be for your eye site?
ReplyDeleteBut once these glasses are released, I see everyone going out and purchasing them, just so they can say that they have a pair. Like Bridget states above, "if people are willing to pay $500-$700 every time Apple upgrades the iPhone, it won't take long for people to invest." This is something that I couldn't agree with more because it is so true. Even if there is the slightest difference in the type of phone, people are always running out to get the newest model, just so they can say that they have it.
Also as you stated in the post, I find Bluetooth devices rather strange, especially when someone is alone and you seeing them talking, cause you never know if they have one on or not.
- Shane Booth
I heard of Google Glass in class for the first time and just now looked them up. They are interesting, however, not something I would want to spend $1,500 on. I get motion-sickness just watching a home-made video. Hubby and I still laugh when we see other people talking when no-one is around them, although I can't stand them when standing in line as I have to hear every detail of whatever they're talking about.
ReplyDeleteThe military is very strict when it comes to cell phones. They are very adamant about using a hands-free device when driving on post/base and every Soldier is required to stop walking if they answer their cell phone. I am sure they will not allow this device at all on any military installation.
I agree with Shane regarding the 35 arguments. Some of those arguments are a bit exaggerated. People will continue to stalk without having to use google glass, the US is already a survellience state, paparazzi's will still get beat up by celebrities no matter what type of technology they use, and health problems will be the least of your worries when you walk out into a busy street while recording, talking, or texting on our google glass.
If others have the money to spend on this new technology, then by all means, spend away.
- Heather Ibarra
I'm already so sick of people that use their Bluetooth just about everywhere (I've actually written up an employee who was wearing one while talking to a customer because even if he wasn't using it, it gave the customer the impression that he wasn't paying attention to him), and I find so many different places where using your cell phone is inappropriate. I personally want to buy a system that I can put inside my house so no mobile device works whenever I turn it on. I'm tired of seeing teens and friends or kids on their phones or tablets around people instead of socializing. Can't wait till I can use it against products like the Google Glass as well, no Glassholes in my house!
ReplyDeleteCesar, I can't agree with you more. My kids and I had that horrible habit of being in the same room and all three of us were on different divices. When my mom pointed that out, I had to put an end to it. I felt like I was spending quality time with my kids because we were all in the same room, but sad to say we wouldn't really talk amongst each other unless it was related to what one of us found interesting enough to share. Now my home is a cell, tablet, computer and any other technology free home from 4 till bedtime unless it is for homework purposes.
DeleteI had never bothered to check out what google glass actually did until now so thank you for posting this. I saw a lot of people walking around with them at CES and thought it looked a little...different. I don't think it would be safe to use the navigation feature while driving but at the same time I have no idea how distracting it is in your field of vision because I have never worn one before. Currently I see no practical use for it in my life but I can definitely see it catching on and becoming more socially acceptable. At $1500 or more I can't justify having that when my phone does everything that google glass does minus it being hands free.
ReplyDeleteAs a side note I can definitely see how people would be scared of the privacy issue but honestly is everyone going to be walking around constantly recording. And if people are so worried about it recording even when you don't tell it to, then what about our laptops, phones, kinect, and many more devices that have cameras on them. I know people that are so paranoid they keep all the cameras covered unless they need to use it.