Google Asks Glass Users To Please Stop Being So Fucking Creepy
Chevy never has to issue reminders to drivers to not deliberately steer trucks into playgrounds, but people who choose to wear $1,500 computers on their faces need an extra lesson in how to be a member of society. First up: don't be a weird asshole. How generous of Google!
"As the [Glass] Explorer Community grows," Google explains, "so does their collective wisdom." Here are some bits of insight on how not to be an alienating sociopath while you walk around with a camera on your temple:
1. Remember to do other things besides play with the computer on your face:
Glass was built for short bursts of information and interactions that allow you to quickly get back to doing the other things you love. If you find yourself staring off into the prism for long periods of time you're probably looking pretty weird to the people around you. So don't read War and Peace on Glass. Things like that are better done on bigger screens.
2. Take off your face computer, sometimes:
Glass is a piece of technology, so use common sense. Water skiing, bull riding or cage fighting with Glass are probably not good ideas.
3. Remember that there are human beings around you, who are not you. Be prepared to interact with them:
Let's face it, you're gonna get some questions. Be patient and explain that Glass has a lot of the same features as a mobile phone (camera, maps, email, etc.). Also, develop your own etiquette. If you're worried about someone interrupting that romantic dinner at a nice restaurant with a question about Glass, just take it off and put it around the back of your neck or in your bag.
I'm sure the interrupted romantic dinner problem comes up a lot!
4. "Don't be creepy or rude." Verbatim, Google has to remind Glass users to not be this way:
(aka, a "Glasshole"). Respect others and if they have questions about Glass don't get snappy. Be polite and explain what Glass does and remember, a quick demo can go a long way. In places where cell phone cameras aren't allowed, the same rules will apply to Glass. If you're asked to turn your phone off, turn Glass off as well. Breaking the rules or being rude will not get businesses excited about Glass and will ruin it for other Explorers.
Some other tips, on the house:
- Look at people in the eye.
- Call your mother.
- Don't slap children.
- Don't pull a dog's tail.
- Laugh at jokes.
- Smile on birthdays.
- Drink water when you are thirsty.
That should cover the basics of our species. Join Google next time for a seminar on "how to say hello to your own parents."