Smartglasses, a type of wearable device, have evolved rapidly since the pioneering yet ill-fated Google Glass received social backlash in 2013. Early adopters were nicknamed “Glassholes”, and the product never reached commercialisation. No one could understand why people would want a weird-looking computer on their face taking photos and recording videos, and getting in the way of social interaction.
This is in stark contrast to the design and functionality of new and emerging smartglass technologies, such as Meta’s Ray-Ban Wayfarer Smart Glasses. These are almost indistinguishable from non-computerised eyewear. And while they are not the first to enter the commercial market, their second-generation tech has contributed to a surge in sales in the past year.
However, existing research into smartglasses tends to overlook the broader social risks and perceptions of them. Our new research begins to address these gaps. It examines how these devices are used in everyday contexts – and reveals the diverse and polarised perceptions Australians have towards them.
