A blog for students taking public relations and public communications modules at the University of Stirling
Thursday, February 23, 2012
This is a bit creepy
This advert in bus stop in London's Oxford Street uses facial recognition software to decide whether someone standing in front of it is male or female and then tailors its message accordingly.
I came across this as well! It is a very interesting case which I am sure we will see more of in the future. It is encouraging to see non-for-profit organisations become more creative in reaching their audiences. However, I think there are a whole host of ethical issues surrounding these digital billboards. I can understand the strategic reasoning behind it but as you say they are just plain creepy!
Autism Speaks used similar technology to raise awareness for their organisation. They wanted to help the public understand how difficult it is for parents who have children who are autistic and won't make eye contact with them. They had a girl on a billboard who will not make eye contact with you no matter how hard you try.
While it is very clever technology and certainly made me want to find out more about the organisation. I am not sure how comfortable I am with the premise.
How adapt is the technology at identifying the correct gender. I would imagine it could be offensive to someone who is wrongly recognised. Its interesting that they have decided to make a case based about gender judgment, by using gender judgment. Hope its 100% accurate.
I came across this as well! It is a very interesting case which I am sure we will see more of in the future. It is encouraging to see non-for-profit organisations become more creative in reaching their audiences. However, I think there are a whole host of ethical issues surrounding these digital billboards. I can understand the strategic reasoning behind it but as you say they are just plain creepy!
ReplyDeleteAutism Speaks used similar technology to raise awareness for their organisation. They wanted to help the public understand how difficult it is for parents who have children who are autistic and won't make eye contact with them. They had a girl on a billboard who will not make eye contact with you no matter how hard you try.
While it is very clever technology and certainly made me want to find out more about the organisation. I am not sure how comfortable I am with the premise.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=UqHrRIwlVm4
I am more than comfortable with that autism ad and it's very clever It's the facial recognition bit that got to me.
ReplyDeleteHow adapt is the technology at identifying the correct gender. I would imagine it could be offensive to someone who is wrongly recognised. Its interesting that they have decided to make a case based about gender judgment, by using gender judgment. Hope its 100% accurate.
ReplyDelete