Why a pop star’s rant about AI glasses is a warning for your business

Picture this: you’re at a festival, and the headline act stops the show to tell everyone to ‘fuck the glasses.’ That’s exactly what happened when Lorde performed at the Real Cool Festival in Madrid last Thursday. She didn’t name names, but it was clear she was taking aim at the Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses, a product heavily promoted by the festival sponsor (source). Why does this matter for a Malaysian business owner? Because how your customers feel about the tech you use can make or break their trust in you.

What Happened

Lorde’s comments were captured on video and quickly went viral. She talked about how it’s getting harder to know what’s real, and then said: “You don’t know if someone is wearing sunglasses or if they’re wearing those fucked up fucking… Can I just say, for the record, fuck the glasses. Don’t get the glasses. Not sexy.” (source).

This isn’t just a pop star being dramatic. Meta has been facing renewed scrutiny over its smart glasses, with concerns about privacy and constant recording. And despite the backlash, reports say the company is still planning to launch a pair of “super sensing” glasses that are always recording (source). Meanwhile, the festival also featured Blackpink’s Jennie, who is a Ray-Ban Meta ambassador — so the contrast was striking.

“Fuck the glasses. Don’t get the glasses. Not sexy.” — Lorde

Why This Matters for Your Business

When a pop star calls a product “not sexy,” it’s more than just an opinion — it’s a signal about how the public is starting to feel. For Malaysian SME owners, this is a heads-up. If you’re considering using AI-powered tools like smart glasses for inventory, customer service, or staff training, you need to think about how your customers will perceive them.

Imagine walking into a store and seeing an employee wearing glasses that could be recording you. Even if they’re just for checking stock, the feeling of being watched can kill trust. That’s the opposite of “sexy” for your brand. It feels like the novelty of wearable AI is wearing off, and the privacy questions are getting louder.

For small businesses, adopting tech that might creep out your customers is a risk. You might not be using AI glasses, but the sentiment applies to any technology that feels intrusive. At the same time, the right AI tools — used transparently — can still give you an edge.

• Consider the vibe: Does the tech feel natural and helpful, or invasive?
• Communicate clearly: If you’re recording or monitoring, tell your customers why and get consent.
• Think about optics: Would a customer be put off by seeing a camera on your staff?

The Bigger Picture

This moment is part of a growing pushback against always-on AI. People are becoming more aware of what they’re trading for convenience. For business owners, the lesson is that technology adoption isn’t just about efficiency — it’s about social acceptance. Meta’s plan to push even more aggressive “super sensing” glasses suggests the industry will keep trying, but the public might not be ready.

In the long run, the businesses that win are the ones that use AI in a way that feels helpful, not creepy. That means clear communication about how and when technology is used, and giving customers control.

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