In a moment that blended raw performance with pointed social commentary, pop sensation Lorde delivered a scathing critique of AI-powered smartglasses during her set at Madrid’s Real Cool Festival. While not explicitly naming brands, her impassioned remarks were widely interpreted as a direct jab at festival sponsor Ray-Ban, which has famously collaborated with Meta on its line of AI smartglasses.
Lorde’s Unfiltered Condemnation: “Not Sexy”
The incident, quickly circulated via social media videos, saw the New Zealand artist pause her performance to connect with the audience, celebrating the authenticity of their shared experience. “It’s increasingly hard to know what is and isn’t real,” she mused, before launching into her unfiltered thoughts on the burgeoning wearable tech trend. “You don’t know if someone is wearing sunglasses or if they’re wearing those f***ed up f***ing… Can I just say, for the record, f*** the glasses. Don’t get the glasses. Not sexy.”
Lorde’s candid outburst resonates with a growing public discourse around privacy, surveillance, and the blurring lines between digital and real-world interactions. Her emphasis on “something real” starkly contrasts with the continuous recording capabilities often associated with such devices, echoing concerns about genuine human connection in an increasingly augmented reality.
Meta’s Ambitious Vision Amidst Scrutiny
The singer’s comments arrive at a pivotal time for Meta, as the tech giant faces renewed scrutiny over its smart glasses initiatives. Despite the backlash and ongoing debates about data privacy, Meta is reportedly forging ahead with plans to launch “super sensing” glasses designed for continuous recording. This ambitious trajectory highlights a significant divide between tech innovation and public perception, particularly concerning personal space and consent.
The Paradox of Endorsement: Jennie vs. Lorde
Adding another layer of intrigue to the festival narrative, Lorde’s outspoken stance was immediately followed by a stark contrast. According to Stereogum, Blackpink’s Jennie, a prominent Ray-Ban Meta AI ambassador, appeared on stage shortly after Lorde. Jennie has been a key figure in advertising campaigns for the smartglasses, featuring in Instagram promotions and even a video screened between sets at Real Cool. This juxtaposition underscores the complex relationship between celebrity influence, brand partnerships, and the evolving ethical landscape of consumer technology.
A Cultural Commentary on Modern Tech
Lorde’s “not sexy” declaration transcends mere aesthetic judgment; it serves as a potent cultural commentary on the perceived intrusion and artificiality that smartglasses represent to many. As technology continues to integrate deeply into daily life, the debate over its impact on authenticity, privacy, and human interaction is only set to intensify. Lorde, it seems, has firmly planted her flag on the side of the ‘real’.
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