Defensive, sceptical, elusive, or disrespectful? The internet is divided over how to interpret Rida Tharana’s response to the Meta AI glasses backlash.
The human mind has always envisioned AI-powered glasses as a fascinating technology straight from the future. With Ray-Ban’s Meta AI-powered glasses, now that the future is here, the world stands divided. Some see it as a revolutionary crossover between wearables and technology; others struggle to grasp the gravity of its limitless misuse. The excitement is high and real, yes, but so is the backlash. And why not? When cameras can be seamlessly integrated into objects like spectacles, concerns about privacy, security, surveillance and misuse become quite evident.
The internet’s contemplation started when the Meta Starfire Kylie Edition was announced. These glasses, designed by Kylie Jenner, were praised for their futuristic aesthetic but also raised privacy concerns as the camera was practically hidden within the design. Netizens termed it dystopian as the backlash took momentum worldwide and creators sounded the alarms. So when renowned creators, including Mohak Narang, Vishal Pandey, Aastha Shah, Rida Tharana, and Sufi Motiwala, joined the promotional campaign without acknowledging these concerns, the backlash reached their pages. So far, only Rida Tharana has chosen to respond and explain her reasoning behind promoting these glasses. However, it soon turned the face of the conversation from taking accountability altogether.
To get things straight, Ray-Ban’s Meta AI glasses aren’t evil. If anything, they are revolutionary. Letting you make calls, send texts, and set reminders all through casual verbal commands. But the highlight is the built-in camera and microphone, which capture high-quality pictures and record seamlessly. While netizens believe in the technology’s competence, it also acknowledges that its misuse can be limitless and catastrophic. That’s where Rida comes into the picture.
When you’re known for your feminist, public security and women-centric content, associating with such technology can make you look hypocritical. Her own fans found the collaboration sceptical as it went against everything she stands for. In response to the backlash, she posted a video addressing the controversy.
