So I read in USA Today about a new car technology that was showcased at the recent CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in Las Vegas.
We all know that self-driving cars are predicted in the future. As a person who tends to feel more comfortable being able to control a situation, I’m not super interested.
We already have cars that park themselves and have lane notification alerts. Even my 2011 car lets me know when I am too close to another vehicle or person or the drive-thru window at McDonald’s.
Apparently a new technology in cars is emotional support. This technology allows the car to do an iris scan and therefore judge your moods according to how you respond to suggestions made by your car.
For example, your car may say: “Please enjoy the scenery around the Golden Gate Bridge” or “Look at that beautiful shimmering lake” or “You just passed Outback Steak House”. After having scanned your irises, the car is able to sense your instinctual responses to what you are seeing or smelling. Oh boy.
The article stated that the car “wants to make an emotional connection with you.”
For those of you born before 1982-83, you well remember the popular TV show “Knight Rider” with the oh so perfectly coiffed, shirt-unbuttoned, hairy-chested David Hasselhoff as Michael Knight. Knight drove KITT (Knight Industries Three Thousand), an advanced artificially intelligent, self-aware and nearly indestructible car. Together Michael and KITT were agents in the public justice organization, the Foundation for Law and Government (FLAG).
My boys loved Knight Rider, especially Christopher. He has always loved cars. As a little boy, he would line up his Matchbox cars in neat little rows. He would design parking lots and arrange the cars accordingly. He took this very seriously. He also used to carry around a Little Playmate cooler with only three or four Matchbox cars inside. So sweet. Not surprising that Christopher grew up to be a graphic designer and BMW owner. He still loves cars. I think he has visions about designing a new and improved KITT.
But back to car technology. When an inanimate object is designed to connect with humans on an emotional level, we are, as my husband would say, “hosed.”
I suggest we stay in real communication with real people who can give real smiles and warm hugs when you get home after work. Let’s see your car do that.