Google Glasses: great invention, or new way to look like a nerd?

Google Glasses are going to change the world. That is without question. But will they be changing it for the better?

Lifestyle

In this photo illustration the Google logo and YouTube Search text shows through a pair of glasses on October 10, 2006.

Jeff J Mitchell

Google's Project Glass is going to change the world. That is hard to question. But will it be changing the world for the better?

Let's start with Google Glasses' fashion appeal. Or lack thereof. Of the glasses unique look Gizmodo said: "The glasses look very nerdy indeed! Google rounded up some pretty hip-looking kids to model the prototypes, and man they really are not cool looking. Instead of something out of visionary sci-fi, the glasses look like what the nerds buried in basement laboratories wear—and not in the good way."

Hmm. Not off to a great start, Google. But what about function over form? According to the video produced by Google, the glasses will allow you to send and recieve texts and emails, check-in to your favorite places, call friends, video chat, check your calender and more. Basically, an iPhone for your face. Sure, you can do all of that, but you're very likely to look insane. 

More from GlobalPost: Google unveils its 'Project Glass' augmented reality eyewear project (VIDEO)

Hayley Tsukayama of the Washington Post commented on the glasses by relating it to her favorite game saying, "Here in D.C., there’s a game I play, which I’ve dubbed, 'Bluetooth or crazy?' The rules are simple: Whenever you see a person walking down the street talking to themselves, you try to determine if they’re on a wireless headset or if they’re just muttering to themselves. (I should note here that I have been both kinds of people.)"

Still, we are probably past the point of vanity or caring what people think of us if we are willing to shell out the reported $250 to $600 price tag for the specs.

What about safety? We'll let comedian Tom Scott take this one. 

While these are all seemingly small things to poke fun at, there are major cons to the glasses including your personal security. As PCWorld points out, "As we wear these glasses around town, the search giant might be able to gather even more data on our daily lives. The video clearly shows deep integration to Google services: you are encouraged to share with the search giant. You think Google’s ads are too personal now? Imagine those ads after wearing Google glasses!"

Of course there are amazing pros to the glasses as well, like making technology more handicap accessable by furthering hands-free computing.

This prototype isn't the final world on Google Glasses either. In a statement on Project Glass' Google+ page the company said, "We're sharing this information now because we want to start a conversation and learn from your valuable input." Google continued to say, this is merely what technology could look like, and the company is asking for the public's input on it. 

Our advice? Make them more Zack Morris and less Screech, and we're in.