Videos circulating on social media have shown a surreal sight: Tesla drivers using Autopilot and wearing Apple Vision Pro headsets, seemingly lost in their digital surroundings. These videos led federal transportation officials to issue warnings about the growing trend. However, it remains unclear if people are genuinely using the headsets while driving, or if it’s all just a ploy for internet popularity. Since the release of the Vision Pro headsets, videos have surfaced of people engaging in various activities while wearing the device, including eating at restaurants and working out at the gym, leading many to question if people are too engrossed in the digital realm to focus on everyday tasks.
Some of the videos of drivers wearing the Vision Pro headset appear to be staged, with the person recording clearly not the driver, raising doubts about the authenticity of the trend. Nonetheless, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration emphasized that distracted driving is a serious issue, noting that over 3,500 people lost their lives in the United States in 2021 due to distracted driving. Meanwhile, the Vision Pro headset boasts a driving mode feature designed for passengers to disable the use of many apps, but questions remain about the impact of such devices on road safety.
Given the steep price of the Vision Pro headsets, starting at $3,499, it seems that Apple envisions a future where people can engage in various digital activities seamlessly. They have urged users to be mindful and acknowledge safety guidance when using the device, which includes refraining from using it while operating a moving vehicle or in situations requiring attention to safety. With the debate about the impact of such technology ongoing, it remains to be seen how it will shape daily life in the future. So, while some of the videos may be skits, they raise important questions about the potential risks that could emerge with the widespread use of AR and VR devices.