Smart Mirrors, Dumb Idea

People have been saying technology has gone too far since the candle-maker was in danger of having his business snuffed out by the invention of the lightbulb. So I’m not saying it’s going too far, I’m just saying that in many cases, we don’t need where it’s going.
Millions of people recently used a so-called smart app that claimed to tell you how old you looked by analyzing a photograph. I used two current pictures. The app said that I looked 27 in one and 62 in the other. It was ridiculous and people started treating it that way, posting their nonsensical results on social media. How in th world is an app supposed to make a subjective judgement on how old someone looks? I don’t know about you, but I’m a good light/bad light kind of a person anyway. Some days, depending on the amount of sleep I got and what I’m wearing, I know I look younger than I am. Other days, well, I just try not to think about it!

Now someone has invented a so-called smart mirror. It’s a high-tech version of Snow Whit’es mirror mirror on the wall that is supposed to be able to tell you what pants will look good with the shirt you’re trying on. I some cases, it can call up product information and let you see how the garment will fit before you even try it on.

Well sonny, back in my day, we had sales people on the floor who knew the store’s inventory and could bring you the right pieces to try on. I remember the joy and adventure of piling up two dozen pairs of jeans while I searched for THE perfect pair! So now what? I press my butt against a mirror and it says “a little lycra for you, honey”?

Privacy is another issue. I don’t like the idea of a mirror looking back at me and analyzing me. We already know we’re on camera virtually every minute we’re in public. Can’t we strip down to our skivvies and pull on a skirt without eyes on us there, too? Mirrors in changerooms have always been a joke. An episode of Seinfeld revealed to the male population something that women have always known about: skinny mirrors. They alter your look and make the outfit you’re trying on seem flattering when perhaps it isn’t. The thought of a lying mirror is one thing but a mirror that makes recommendation is quite something else. Mirror mirror on the wall, who’s the creepiest one of all?

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