1. Privacy Concerns
A major concern around AR is cybersecurity and privacy. Image-recognition software combined with AR allows users to obtain information using online profiles. Users who openly share personal information in order to gain convenience of a product or service are ones highly challenged with this issue. Users who also allow applications to locate them at specific places makes it easier for personal information to be accessed and shared.
2. Ethical Issues:
Within the AR debate stands a philosophical question. What are the ethical dilemmas postulated by having multiple devices in our hands and on our face changing and manipulating how we see and interact with the world?
3. Information Overload
Multitasking is a key characteristic of the millennial generation. Living in a society where 24/7 technology on demand can radically change the way we see and think about reality is concerning (Lass, W., 2015). Sherry Turkle, Director at MIT’s Initiative on Technology and Self talks about how society is always looking down and truly missing out in life. What will the future be like when AR is embedded in our daily lives? AR can be transformative but at the same time if we are constantly looking through the lens of our devices, we are missing out on important moments in life.
Interesting and thought-provoking discussion, everyone. I have my own reservations about the implementation of "Too much" technology in the classroom, especially when it might not be age-appropriate, and along with hyperstimulation, I wonder what the students' concept/understanding of reality would be at such a young age.
Hello guys: I am going to chime in here. I believe AR has important aspects of enhancing learning. It seems that the corporate sector has more potential to use it by connecting learning for preparing for real-world scenarios. For example, aviation training, military training and in the medical field. As AR seamlessly blends reality. For an elementary teacher, I don't see how AR can valuable teaching tool compared to application to older grades or post-secondary. I have concerns that AR content may not appropriate for the younger audience. I already use Raz Kids and tumblebooks for reading online, which stimulates learning through animated audio and text. Lately, I have seen a decrease in the students wanting to use paper text because the "words" don't jump out and the pictures don't more. Perhaps, AR is too much stimulation, and students will not engage unless they are entertained.
HI Faeyza,
Absolutely. Also too the cost. As with any new technology, the costs of production for new products are a major barrier to entry into the market. In the case of AR, the cost associated with network connectivity and the computing power required to produce 3D images in real-time. The transparent head-mounted displays, especially models small enough for fashion conscious consumers, currently carry a high price-tag. A 2014 report by PR Newswire on the AR market for 2014-2018 suggests that the high cost of head mounted displays and heads-up displays will be a significant limiting factor in the growth of the AR market.
At $1400 dollars, the META2 Glasses are ready for software developers to purchase . This price gets you the developers kit, and so it is likely not the true cost of a consumer ready version. Secondly, you also got Microsoft's HoloLens is ready for software developers but that is going to set you back about $3,000 dollars. They also have a commercial package ready for education and business that will set you back about $5000 dollars.
Beyond cost, there are several other factors that could limit both the development of the AR devices being imagined, as well as their adoption by consumers.
The portability of even the sleekest prototypes being portrayed is reminiscent of the earliest mobile phones - they are bulky and unattractive, and it is not clear how the displays perform in the presence of bright sunlight.
The fact that such devices are worn on a person's head, and would partially obscure their eyes also raises the question of social acceptance.
Having a device directly in front of your eyes is a much more intrusive form of mobile device relative to a hand-held. So although the technology may advance to make such devices available, it is likely that they will remain confined to offices, studios, and homes, and thus leave a space for hand-held mobile devices to continue to provide the ubiquitous network connectivity that people feel comfortable taking everywhere.
Great points. I would like to add:
4. Physical Danger:
Not long ago we all witnessed the PokemonGo fad, which was considered a distraction and a danger to physical safety. Texting while driving has been banned. Imagine people crossing the street using AR, looking for the nearest coffee shop or the menu in the restaurant round the corner.
5. Unsolicited Information, Spam
There are fake companies on Amazon. Fake news and ads have been an issue for FaceBook. What can then be expected from AR, if tagging and tracking information becomes easy?