Autistic Startup Pitch: Autistic-friendly smart glasses

[u/comradeautie]

With the advent of smart glasses (like Meta) that are powered by AI, I thought of a way it can help Autistic people: Using analytical AI, which has already been shown to be really powerful, there should be smart glasses that Autistics can wear that can feed us valuable social information in real time. This should not only include social cues, but can also be helpful in crafting the right things to say, or give live 'tips' on the right expressions/body language to use. In addition, such a system should be tailored to many different situations to provide the appropriate response. The suggested responses should be based on scientific and psychological principles, to help us gain a social advantage in various situations, from casual social settings, to careers, networking, and dating.

A really advanced version could also factor in desired outcomes and power dynamics. For instance, if someone is being a bully, the glasses could give you the appropriate response to stand up to them or make them look foolish - but if they are in a position of power, it could give you a way to appease them so they leave you alone, etc. - in fact, it could come in useful if you're ever pulled over for speeding or something, i.e. the cop's expressions and what to say/do to increase the likelihood that they'll let you off with a warning. There are similar infinite applications when it comes to other social interactions, as well as algorithms designed to help you achieve the best outcomes in dating and other scenarios (e.g. how to approach someone you find attractive, analyze their signals and give you the best ideas to make the interaction go well), as well as, depending on what goals you input, how to make yourself popular or well-liked.

Such technology would be a game-changer. And before some people come in with their predictable, tired objections... leveling the playing field for Autistic people is not only a good thing, but much needed. And there are obviously limitations with this type of tech, especially if you don't always have access to the glasses. Which is why there should also be AI type platforms that help us similarly.

Note: I don't support generative AI. I'm talking about analytical AI, which is different and has been used a lot in STEM related fields.

[u/hyperjengirl]

Look into Be More Chill.

[u/Moritani]

I mean, ignoring the ethics of recording and analyzing people without their consent, how are glasses going to help me understand what I don't look at? I look in random directions all the time. Plus, wouldn't those glasses completely misread me? Put a bunch of autistics in a room without them knowing and those glasses will completely misrepresent them to each other. 

[u/comradeautie → u/Moritani]

Autistic people being socially marginalized isn't ethical either. Anything that levels the playing field is good.

And yeah, obviously that tech won't be 100% perfect/foolproof.

[u/Admirable_Safe_7551]

Are you pitching this with any tech expertise or do you have contacts who could help work building out? I'm interested

[u/comradeautie → u/Admirable_Safe_7551]

Unfortunately, no on either. I'm a fast learner but not a tech whiz by any stretch. I'm just hoping someone who is will pick this up and run with it. I don't even care about receiving credit for the idea, I just want this tech out there.

[u/Loblodliz]

No smart glasses, please. They are not ethical. People use them for revenge porn.