At the Mad Cool Festival in Madrid, Lorde dismissed AI glasses as unappealing and raised deeper concerns about the blurred line between reality and technology, spotlighting ongoing debates about privacy and design in the smart glasses market.
- Lorde calls AI glasses 'not sexy' and questions their authenticity.
- Ray-Ban Meta glasses sales triple in 2025 despite privacy lawsuits.
- Concerns persist over harassment and privacy with smart glasses.
What happened
During her performance at the Mad Cool Festival in Madrid, singer Lorde openly criticized AI glasses, telling the audience she found them unappealing and expressing frustration about the difficulty in distinguishing what is real in a world increasingly influenced by technology. Specifically referencing AI glasses that integrate cameras and smart features, she urged people to avoid buying them.
Lorde's statements come at a time when Meta, in partnership with Ray-Ban, is aggressively marketing its AI glasses, which have quickly gained popularity. Despite the innovation and strong sales, including over 7 million units sold in 2025, the devices have faced scrutiny concerning privacy risks and potential misuse.
Why it matters
The rise of AI-enabled smart glasses has ignited significant discussion over privacy, surveillance, and consent. Various abuse cases, including harassment and extortion facilitated by glasses equipped with cameras, have raised alarms. Meta has tried to reassure users by incorporating visible recording indicators but continues to battle multiple lawsuits and investigations.
Lorde’s critique taps into broader cultural and ethical challenges posed by these devices. Her rejection serves as a symbolic pushback from the entertainment and consumer community, highlighting that beyond functionality, factors like style, social acceptability, and privacy perceptions strongly influence adoption trends.
What to watch next
Market demand for AI glasses is expected to keep growing as manufacturers like Meta expand their product lines and improve technology. However, ongoing legal challenges and public mistrust could slow adoption or prompt regulatory responses aimed at safeguarding privacy and user rights.
Industry observers will also watch how cultural influencers and celebrities continue to shape public perception. As Lorde shows, the conversation about wearable AI technology isn’t just about innovation but also about maintaining personal identity and controlling how technology integrates into daily life.