The Dystopian Potential of Augmented Reality

In the not so distant future, we may be able to send emails with our minds and project Google Maps directions directly onto our highways and sidewalks. Beyond the merely novel and convenient, this technology--known as augmented reality--could even facilitate dangerous brain surgeries and give speech to stroke victims.

Facebook, Google, Microsoft, Apple, Meta and a slew of other companies are collectively investing billions in augmented reality, asserting that in 5 years millions will have relinquished their smartphones in favor of AR headsets. Yet, technologists fear that without consumer protections, augmented reality may allow tech companies to record and monetize our very thoughts and experiences. This week, Bob visited the AR in Action conference at NYU to investigate the hype behind augmented reality and to explore its dystopian potential.

Featuring:

Janet Murray, Georgia Tech professor and author of Hamlet on the Holodeck.
Ken Perlin, NYU computer-science professor.
Ryan Pamplin, VP, Evangelist at Meta.
Robin Alter, VP, Strategic Partnerships at Ultrahaptics.
John Werner, founder of AR in Action.
Keith Boesky, Osterhout Design Group board member.