Invisible Until Needed

The most profound technologies are those that disappear. They weave themselves into the fabric of everyday life until they are indistinguishable from it.

‘This is the future’ is a common response to any innovative technology, as if there’s nothing that can be done to shape some inevitable reality. The truth is we can, and we should. Research indicates that even the mere presence of a phone can be distracting — and that‘s without even looking at the screen. What happens when the screen is strapped to our faces?

One thing is for certain: the technology will improve and the devices that augment reality will get smaller, more subtle, more powerful. But augmented reality isn’t reality — it’s just the world filtered through a computer. In a world where distraction is an ever-present struggle and meaningful connection increasing rare, we must ask ourselves: is this is the future we really want?