As technological advances are finding more ways to weave themselves into our everyday lives, the appearance of wearables within the tech space is becoming more and more common. From smart watches to smart eyewear, people can now customise their tech to reflect not only their needs, but their personality.
Although the increase in wearable technology has been significant, can the features of these wearables give us insight into public habits and even the transparency of our politicians?
What are wearables in the tech world?
Wearables are wearable technology that can be worn as accessories, embedded in clothing and even implanted in a user’s body. The wearable technology is designed for user ease and is more often than not hands free. Often connected to the internet, these wearables and hardware can house the technology that we find in our phones and is becoming more and more popular.
Statistics have highlighted that the amount of smartwatch shipments have increased by more than 50 million since 2016. Reflective of today’s society and their needs, smartwatches in particular have most definitely steered away from the realm of being simply a novelty.
(Image: Statista)
What features do current wearables have?
Just as the internet has the power to hold people to account, the hardware and wearables that have become home to it has so many features that can collect data on its users. From step counting and monitoring finances, to tracking location and a user's sleeping patterns, the personalisation and features of wearables are a very powerful tool.
Alongside the consensus of information that is collated by wearables, it can be paired with the needs of the users. For example, with smart eyewear and glasses, if the user requires progeressive lenses or a certain style of eye frame it doesn’t make the wearable any less accessible to them. This type of adaptability makes the breath of information that can be collected by a user even more insightful.
Just as the features housed by wearables are accessible to a diverse audience, the wearables themselves come in such a range of hardware. From the Apple watch and Bose Audio sunglasses to the Amazon Echo frames, it could be considered a rarity to not find a wearable that works for a consumer. It is apparent that the wearable industry is becoming more accessible and popular and this technology hardware means that the breadth of consumer data and habits is always increasing. This doesn’t exclude the potential of wearables showcasing the habits and systems of our politicians and world leaders.
What types of politicians currently wear wearables?
Considered the norm within fashion, judging politicians by what they wear is contributive to what the public would assume about them. The evolution of technology and wearables means that wearables are now neck and neck with other typically traditional accessories.
Just as some politicians choose to wear cost effective sunglasses or watches to reflect their personality or traditional values, the same can be said for new smart wear.
Just as wearables are becoming an increasingly more apparent accessory we can see in the newer generation of politicians adorning wearables. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been seen wearing an Apple Smartwatch and is arguably reflective of a modern generation of politicians. From her wearing this smart watch could show support for the new generation of people she represents and of course being part of a tech savvy community reflecting what the future looks like for everyone.
This Apple Watch was also spotted being worn by Republican Senators Mike Lee of Utah, Jerry Moran of Kansas, John Cornyn of Texas and many more. This is interesting because they were spotted dorning these smartwatches during Donald Trump's impeachment trial, in which smartphones are not allowed. Even with the older government officials, wearing a smartwatch the influence of a tech based future is even apparent within the older generations. Could this be a loop-holed way to connect politicians to link to the outside world even during trials where smart technology may not normally be allowed?
How can wearables make a politician more honest?
Given the examples of politicians and people in government wearing wearables, it’s no secret that they are growing in popularity for everyone. The data collected on these can be a source for politicians to be more transparent and be held accountable for things that they may say. The tracking functions that are available in wearable technology could provide data on the habits of our leaders. Are they checking into a five star hotel using taxpayers money or are they taking the amount of steps needed when launching a new fitness scheme for the public? It seems that the scrutiny and data collected on the general public by smart technology ought to also apply to our politicians. Could this available information obtained by the data collected using smart technology make our politicians be more honest because they can be held accountable?
It’s with no doubt that the information that can be collected using smart technology and wearables can offer insight and behind the scenes details of our politicians. With the latest advancements these wearables could provide a platform for desired and tailored information to be collected and shared, this would in theory encourage honesty and transparency from our government officials.
Subterfuge vs Public Knowledge?
The apps that are available to be used alongside smart technology and wearables essentially grants and insight into a politicians personal life. With permission it could be utilised and used fairly to collate. information that is deemed public knowledge. The public has a right to know and be made aware of things that involve them when it comes to politicians, however, could this insight create blurred boundaries with intrusion?
The information that is stored and collated about people, is deemed personal and often not at the discretion of anyone else. Should this courtesy be extended to politicians who are directly affecting the lives of the public or is it at risk of subterfuge by increasing the risk of releasing extremely personal data regardless of who it is?
