AbstractsOther

Mediated Life after Virtualization

by Thoa Nguyen




Institution: Roskilde University
Department:
Year: 2014
Keywords: Mediated Life; Google; Glass; Surveillance; technology; 1984; big brother
Record ID: 1119828
Full text PDF: http://rudar.ruc.dk/handle/1800/13405


Abstract

This study examines the role of Google Glass in relation to a possible contribution to network surveillance. Our privacy has become increasingly limited throughout the past decades due to the rapid rise of technology and social media. From the Fourth Amendment to George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four, society is full of warnings in regards to technology and surveillance’s collaboration. This paper will investigate the possible newest link in this collaboration, Google Glass, as well as provide a current status on network surveillance and the subsequent effects. To answer whether Glass is here to improve our everyday life or simply to improve Google’s database, selected theories are applied to analyze and interpret Glass’ possibilities and potentials in regards to network surveillance. Distrust towards Glass is determined and Google CEO Vice President’s arguments pave the way for discussion. His viewpoint is compared to the hypothetical scenario in Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four, it is then discussed whether the possible outcome of Glass will move us closer to the ideas presented in Orwell’s dystopian novel. Through the use of before mentioned theories and analysis, it is concluded that Glass has a feasible viability to contribute to network surveillance.