A new study has revealed that one in five people in the UK want Google Glass banned, even though more than eight million Britons already use wearable technology.
The report by Rackspace and the Centre for Creative and Social Technoloogy (CAST) at Goldsmiths, University of London was conducted with 4,000 respondents and underscores the privacy concerns that people have with what many consider to be invasive technology.
Other findings were that more than eight million Britons already wear some form of fitness monitor, smart watch, wearable camera, smart clothing or tracking device and demonstrates how divisive this type of technology has become. Some embrace it wholeheartedly, others think it is the devil’s work.
While 20% want Google Glass banned, 15% intend to buy Google Glass as soon as it goes on general sale in 2014 and nearly 40% intend to use these these devices once they have obtained critical mass.
Rather more worryingly, the study also reports that 15% of UK adults use wearable devices to help improve their love life. Try as I may, I have tried to imagine that but it means my brain is now working in ways that I’d prefer it not to.
There again, wearing Google Glass while on the job may have some positive developments. It doesn’t matter where you get your appetite from (as you look at the streamed video in literally your mind’s eye), as long as you eat at home.
Monty Munford has more than 15 years' experience in mobile, digital media, web and journalism. He is the founder of Mob76, a company that helps tech companies raise money and exit. He speaks regularly at global media events with a focus on Africa, writes a weekly column for The Telegraph, is a regular contributor to The Economist, Wired, Mashable and speaks regularly on the BBC World Service.
