undefined | Better HN

0 pointshaswell3y ago0 comments

This scenario seems functionally similar to a FaceTime call or other form of video communication. Both parties know they’re not literally gazing into each other’s eyes, but the technical medium creates a pretty decent long distance approximation of doing just that.

A video call will never replace the real thing, but I don’t think I’d say it’s dystopian.

And I don’t find the tech in this headset all that different, the exception being that there isn’t a 2nd set of cameras and screens on the non-headset side of the conversation.

On the other hand, maybe it is dystopian, but if so, I’d argue that dystopia is already here and has been for awhile.

0 comments

2 comments · 2 top-level

deanCommie3y ago

I don't know what kind of Facetime calls you're having but 99% of the time I'm looking at someone's face, but we're not making eye contact.

The video is almost never exactly where the camera is, and if the person is using an external camera or a secondary monitor, the eyeline will never line up.

It's fine! But you never have the illusion that you're talking to the person directly. Which may be is good enough for adults working on professional projects.

But it's not good enough for a parent interacting with a young child.

JohnFen3y ago

> This scenario seems functionally similar to a FaceTime call or other form of video communication.

But in a video call, the "distance" the video causes is something that you put up with in exchange for a greater benefit. If I'm talking with someone that has a screen in front of their face showing me their face, that's distance that provides no benefit, so it's a loss without gain. It makes the person seem sketchy.

j / k navigate · click thread line to collapse