By: Jacque Wilson
Source: CNN
http://www.cnn.com/2014/10/15/health/google-glass-addiction/index.html?hpt=he_c2
Most people may have heard of one of
Google’s latest innovations, Google Glass. The eye wear technology allows users
to access the internet, take pictures, record videos, and send messages to
others. These functions are put to use through voice commands or contact with
the minute touch pad on the corner of the glasses. However, “Google Glass
Addiction” is a much less heard of phenomenon. Despite the satirical nature
that may seem to underlie this problem, a thirty-one year old San Diegan man who
checked into the Navy's Substance Abuse and Recovery Program for alcoholism
treatment was actually found to have this new found disorder. He reported using
the technology for eighteen hours daily, only daring to remove it whenever he
slept or bathed. He showed signs of Google Glass withdrawal by reaching for its touch pad even when the eye wear was not on. He exhibited symptoms that other
users of this technology frequently exhibit, such as decreased awareness and
headaches. “While in the treatment program, the man experienced withdrawal
symptoms that he reportedly said were much worse than the withdrawal he went
through from alcohol” (Wilson 1). He was recently treated
for the aforementioned problems, but still has dreams that appear to be perceived
through a screen.
This piece of news demonstrates the
dangerous effects of the ever advancing world of technology. While it remains
true that most of these advancements reap countless benefits that may serve to
better the world, they also possess the dangerous capacity to build
over-dependent relationships with users (with the users being the dependent
subjects in this case). It is important that consumers remain mindful of the
symptoms that may arise as a result of excessive use of such technological
products, and retain an air of self-control as the times are changing.
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