I’m sure that Google will make it possible to setup the system the way you want it, and will enable a certain level of flexibility, so that one doesn’t feel that ‘dystopian’ future, that you mentioned creeping up on them (not that it won’t be, but perhaps it won’t feel as if it were the case, while it is happening.)

Also, keep in mind that there will always be groups that will keep Google and others on their toes with regards to maintaining people’s privacy.

In essence, Google and others can only take as much of our privacy as we allow them to. Education of the pros and cons of this technology is key, as well as knowing what you’re getting into.

Improperly used, and Internet technology can be improperly used. It’s up to us, as users, to be educated and to ensure that we’re aware of what we’re allowing, and to set limits on how we use any technology.

‘Off’ switches are a wonderful thing ;)

Even if it doesn’t lead to being more productive — maybe that’s a good thing. If it removes the mental effort involved with remembering things and frees people up to just take a few more quiet moments or do something they enjoy, that’s still a win. Not everything has to be about productivity!

As a father of 3 smallish kids, it always amuses me to see how all parents now feel compelled to video school concerts with their phones. They spend the entire event watching the performance on the screen of their iPhone and completely miss the live show. To be honest most of the performances are a bit of a chore to get through, but I’m happy to be left with the (fleeting, inaccurate?) memory of the live performance rather than the perfect MPEG, having missed the live show.

Or maybe it’s just that my kids’ performances are rather lame.

At least with a smartphone you actively have to make the decision to look at it, but these are going to be there all the time. I do think that will lead to us ignoring each other more.

That is a very good point. If we use this technology to become more productive, being able to use our brain capacity for things better than remembering random crap, then perhaps would that be an advantage. It’s a gamble though.

Personally, I tend to think that this gets technology out of the way — instead of looking down at a slab of glass, you’re looking up around you and the information is overlayed. Instead of pulling out a smartphone and paying attention to it, you immediately get the info and go back to the real world.

The history of technology is a history of outsourcing our memory to other things. For example, when books and writing came about, generations passed down information in them instead of with oral storytelling. These days, people Google things instead of remembering them.

I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing. People don’t want to remember these things — phone numbers, calendar appointments — we were writing them down long before computers. This just makes the process more convenient.

I suppose it could lead to laziness, but it could also lead to more mental capacity for meaningful work.

Hopefully you’ll see past the ignorant use of one word and see the good points I do make, but then I would say that. As for the rocket surgery (whatever that is) I’m afraid I cannot help you.

Thanks for commenting.

And now I need to go back and read it again with the understanding I have now, because I think you made some good points.

Glass seems like the first step towards that kind of future and the scary part about it is as you mentioned: when given the option for an easier, faster (and by some sentiments better) lifestyle free of the archaic ways before, who would choose the old over the new? Even those that do are in danger of buckling under the peer pressure. Alongside that is the mandatory updates where you’ll have no alternative but what’s being offered e.g. Twitter making you go to NuTwitter or Blogger axing the tried and true layout.

Small examples but symptoms of a possible (and frightening) future. Good article!