Augmented Perceptions

Certain aspects of augmented reality got me thinking back to the idea of medias role in our perception of the world in a big way, of course. The nature of augmented reality is, fundamentally, to alter, or heighten, our perception of the physical world. Augmented reality breaks down the idea of media having a defined sender, message and receiver relationship. Augmented reality devices place the user within a self contained network of sender, message and receiver. They become all three as they interact from themselves, with the world around them, through their device.

A particular device which made me think about this relationship was one I found while researching augmented reality devices. Investorspot.com lists the top ten augmented reality devices, one of which being a contact lens called, A Twinkle in the Eye. The concept is only in development stages, however, the idea is quite captivating. A contact lens is fitted with a small LED screen, radio chip and antenna and is powered wirelessly. 

This is truly a reality altering, perception changing form of augmented reality. But is this a good thing? As John Havens discusses, augmented reality could have its downfalls in terms of traditional human interaction. Havens states, 'Now consider this physical supply chain of seeing one anthers well-being, needs or talents displayed via visualisations, viewable through lenses outfitted with AR (augmented reality) How will we perceive each other in the near future, beyond our physical appearances? How will our positive and negative traits combine to form a visualisation that instantly defines who we are?' (Havens 2013). The way we make decisions on whether or onto to engage with others could one day be left up to our AR devices. Human interaction could be broken down to a simple, mathematical algorithm which determines what is best for the user, or, simply, what is most efficient. 

Imagine a reality that is dictated to you. Your relationships, interactions, day-to-day decision making all controlled by you AR device. Its not to say this technology is not something to be marvelled at, however, I feel, it is something to be cautious of. It seems the nature of the relationship between mankind and technology is one of utter dependance. It is completely immersive and relentless. Once we move to radical new areas like AR it seems our fate could be sealed with our utter dependance on a technological reality. 

Havens, J 2013, The Impending Social Consequences of Augmented Reality, Mashable, accessed 11th April 2013 <http://mashable.com/2013/02/08/augmented-reality-future/>

InvestorSpot 2013, Top Ten Augmented Reality Devices, accessed 11th April 2013, <http://inventorspot.com/articles/top_ten_augmented_reality_devices_32462>