Lorde calls AI smartglasses “not sexy,” sparks debate
Pop star Lorde has taken aim at AI-powered smartglasses, calling them “not sexy” during a performance in Madrid. Speaking to a crowd at the Real Cool Festival, she questioned the growing ambiguity between real and artificial experiences, then singled out the technology as a symbol of what she sees as an erosion of authenticity.
The comments arrive as Ray-Ban and Meta’s AI-enabled smartglasses gain visibility as festival sponsors and lifestyle accessories. While Lorde didn’t name a specific brand, her remark aligns with broader skepticism toward AI wearables that blend recording, processing, and social sharing into everyday eyewear. Videos of her remarks circulated widely online, amplifying the critique beyond the venue.
The blurred line between real and recorded
Lorde’s remarks underscore a cultural tension: as AI tools permeate live events—from automated setlists to real-time image generation—performers and audiences alike are grappling with what still feels “real.” Her frustration reflects a sentiment shared by some artists who worry that wearable AI could commodify spontaneous moments or turn audiences into passive data points.
Why it matters
The backlash highlights how AI wearables are no longer just tech novelties—they’re cultural flashpoints. For artists like Lorde, the concern isn’t technical feasibility but cultural erosion: if every glance is recorded or enhanced, what remains of unfiltered human expression? The debate also signals a turning point for brands pushing AI into fashion and entertainment, where public perception may shape adoption as much as innovation.
Source: The Verge. AI-assisted editorial synthesis — TechnoExpress.