Android to Cyborgs : Is Google Glass paving the way to Implants?

Google Glass. Sergey Brin describes- a new way of seeing our relationships with mobile computers.

And it’s not only Google; Apple, Microsoft, among other players have already patented or in the processes of patenting the technology which can help head mounted devices.

In a recent blog, Nicholas Carr, explores the idea of "Underwearables", where the wearable gadget is attached to the undergarments ! Google may not be the first entrant, but can it redefine the category as Apple did with iPads? Wearables are a reality today. So the real question is, how can it be bettered? What’s next?

Will it happen like Pagers? It came & disappeared in no time and Mobile phone took its place.

For some it may seem to be a premature question. But the rate, at which the technologically is advancing, it is not far fetched.

So what can betterment mean in Wearables?

• Making the device smaller & faster
• May be hidden in our clothes or may be our clothes itself !
• Or maybe we don’t need to better it. We will just skip bettering it and create a new category altogether:- Implants !

Implants: - Devices implanted in our body as our own body part. This will make us ‘Cyborgs’ . Connected 24/7 & hidden from everyone else. Like the GPS chip inserted in Daniel Craig’s wrist in one of the recent James Bond movie!

The device may work on voice commands. It can be an eye lens connected via Bluetooth which work with similar features of Google Glass.

Or it may combine with a smart phone implanted behind the ear which is both hidden from others and provides display through eye lens.

Possibilities are innumerable and we should ready to live with such new ways of life!

How Facebook makes you sad?

We love Facebook. We do. I love to hangout, share pictures & talk (online chat) to our friends. But have you tried noticing yourself after using Facebook? Do you feel happier after using it every time?

A study conducted by University of Michigan says, you may not. Infact, overtime it may reduce your happiness quotient making you feel lonely, dissatisfied & disgruntled even when not consuming any form of social media.

Why would that be? 

The answer lies in the way we USE Facebook.

Everyone is different & uses social media differently. Users are mainly of two types:

§  Active users: Users who not only consume but also engage & participate in the posts. These users consistently like/comment or post new stuff on the wall. These people are characterised with high self esteem, high confidence & openly discussing their life events within the group.

Majority of the posts revolve around boasting & finding acknowledgement, about life events from social groups like posting pictures from an exotic holiday or a work promotion. Some of them try to engage in a discussion on social cause & some try to push their business agendas.

§  Passive users: These users do not engage in social media per se. They will passively check out the pictures/videos posted, click on the links & Infographics, check out profiles of friends but will rarely like/comment on the same. Also, they will rarely posts new data on the wall.

If you are passive user, chances are you are becoming sad every time you use Facebook. The more you use it, sadder you become.

The reason is, passive users compare their real life events with the reel life pictures of their friends, which may makes them feel that the life they are living is not to the fullest & rich as others.

This develops a feeling of jealousy & envy, which then worsens our offline or real relationship with others leading to a lonely & dissatisfaction self.

How to overcome this loneliness:

In this highly connected world, life without social media is almost impossible to imagine. But with right attitude & actions we can better its impact on us.

• Needless to say- Reduce your time spent on social media
• Increase your face-to-face conversations with your friends. This takes social ties to a different level.
• Don’t post any data which your family (sister/mother etc) would be uncomfortable viewing about you. Remember: Even prospective employers checkout your social media profile.
• Follow a distinction between genuine friends & general acquaintances. This will help you in sharing the data; avoid cyber bulling & jealousy.
• Reply to comments; especially when questions are asked
• Review the people/groups you ‘like’ on regular basis. If you feel uncomfortable or saddened by some specific posts, hide it from the timeline. Overtime Facebook & others may understand that you do not like such posts & will stop showing it in your timeline