Wearables and Why They're Going to Destroy Us

Wearables: when tech and everyday laziness meets fashion. Being in the tech field, I feel as if I am betraying my own kind when I say, "I loathe the idea of wearables," which, in all honesty, I say quite often. But just what are these wearables? Wearables are high-tech accessories like Google Glass or any of the new smartwatches flooding the market. While there are both pros and cons for these devices, I foresee more cons.

Wearables can prove to be fantastic for certain things, such as healthcare. Google Glass ca be used in nursing for patient monitoring, or image-assisted surgeries. It could prove to be most beneficial in the medical field when doctors and nurses often need their hands free to work with a patient. Wearable tech could also change the way students are educated. Students could have access to other resources to aid alongside what is taught in the classroom as well as effective reinforcement of learning material. 

Although I stand by these positives I have found a plethora of negatives; wearables are not meant for the everyday average user. For one, they are much less versatile than phones. Sure, our bracelet may light up to show we have been sent a message, but it will not allow us to read it or respond to it. No one will want to send an e-mail or file on a watch.

Despite built-in cooling systems, wearable tech will eventually become uncomfortable to wear. If it is the middle of summer, somewhere around 97 degrees, no one is going to want an almost equally hot, metal hunk of tech on their wrist or head. 

They also can't guarantee security. While the power levels are low, wearables can still be victim to hacks if left unattended. These pieces will be exposed to everyone the wearer comes into contact with. If the device is connected to a company's server to enable easier communication between employees, unattended or unsecure, information can be stolen. 

Wearables are being seen as the way of the future. There is a lot of hype and excitement around the possibilities they bring. While technology can help us accomplish great things, we must also remain fearful of it. When things become too convenient, we become too spoiled and lose our sense of ambition. Why write a letter when you can send an e-mail? Why call when you can text? Why cook for ourselves and food shop when we can have fully cooked meals delivered to our front door? When we begin to rely too much on technology, we begin to lose both ourselves and our independence in the process.  

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