Key Takeaways
- Lorde criticizes AI glasses, calling them ‘not sexy.’
- Concerns about privacy and misuse of smart glasses are growing.
- Despite criticism, sales of Meta’s AI glasses are booming.
Lorde’s Bold Statement
During her performance at the Mad Cool Festival in Madrid, pop star Lorde made headlines with her outspoken comments on AI glasses. While celebrities like Kylie Jenner promote these devices, Lorde expressed skepticism about their appeal.
“Increasingly in our world, it gets harder to know what is real,” she told the crowd. “You don’t know if someone is wearing sunglasses or if they’re wearing those f—ed up, f—ing [AI glasses]. Can I just say, for the record, f— the glasses. Don’t get the glasses. Not sexy.”
Concerns Over Privacy
Lorde’s remarks come amid rising concerns about the implications of smart glasses, which often include cameras and AI features. Critics argue that these devices can facilitate harassment and invasion of privacy. Although Meta, a leading manufacturer of smart glasses, claims to prioritize privacy with features like a visible recording light, the company is currently facing multiple investigations and lawsuits regarding privacy violations.
One notable lawsuit involves allegations that Kenyan contract workers were forced to view graphic content captured by these glasses to train Meta’s AI. The company has not publicly addressed this specific claim.
Sales Surge Despite Criticism
Despite the backlash, the popularity of AI glasses continues to rise. EssilorLuxottica, the parent company of Ray-Ban, reported selling over 7 million units of Meta AI glasses in 2025, a significant increase from the 2 million sold in the previous two years combined. The success of Ray-Ban Meta glasses has prompted Meta to expand its product line.
Lorde’s comments highlight a growing tension between technological advancement and personal privacy. As she succinctly put it, the current reality is what truly matters, and perhaps that is what is truly ‘sexy.’