Are You Ready For Facebook Connected Clothing?

like a hug HR 1 2 from Melissa Chow on Vimeo.

This is just wrong on so many levels! Check out the article!

Facebook-connected vest hugs you when you get a ‘Like’

What if every time a Facebook friend liked one of your Facebook posts, that friend appeared out of nowhere, wrapped her arms around you, and gave you a big hug of appreciation? That would be pretty sweet.

Since that’s not likely to happen in reality, you’ll have to settle for the Like-A-Hug vest from Melissa Chow, Andy Payne, and Phil Seaton at the MIT Media Lab.

When a friend likes your photo, video, or status update, the vest inflates. Send a hug back to your buddy by squeezing and deflating the vest.

Wearing the vest out in public might cause alarm when you start to inflate like Violet Beauregard from ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.’ I expect it feels less like a boa constrictor and more like a gentle squeeze, though. If you’re claustrophobic, then you might want to pass on this invention.

To some, the vest could be that missing link between the online world and an offline reality where physical contact has been diminished. To others, it might seem like Facebook is getting a little too frisky with invading the real world.