Two social workers discuss technology. It's that simple.
Stephen Cummings is a clinical professor and former hospital social worker. Dr. Gina Griffin is a clinical practitioner. Both are deeply engaged in the use of technology in social work practice.
technologykindness.substack.com (https://technologykindness.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast)
Technology, Privacy, and the Promise (and Peril) of Smart Glasses
Tech and Kindness — Season 2, Episode 1
Technology, Privacy, and the Promise (and Peril) of Smart Glasses
In the Season 2 premiere of Tech and Kindness, hosts Stephen Cummings and Dr. Gina Griffin reconnect to explore the intersection of emerging technology, privacy, and human well-being. After reflecting on the current global climate and the challenge of staying informed without becoming overwhelmed, they turn their attention to a timely topic: AI-enabled smart glasses from companies like Meta and Google.
On this episode:
The return of “wearable” tech:Smart glasses promise augmented information layered onto the real world—directions, contextual information, and AI assistance.
The appeal of augmented reality:Inspired by science fiction writers like William Gibson, the hosts discuss the exciting possibilities of enhanced experiences—such as historical overlays, digital art in public spaces, and real-time information.
Privacy and surveillance concerns:These devices can record constantly and collect large amounts of personal data. The conversation explores how that data might be used and who ultimately benefits.
Unintended consequences:Smart glasses raise serious concerns around harassment, surveillance, and consent—particularly when people are recorded in public without their knowledge.
The hidden labor behind AI:Content moderation and data review often fall to workers around the world who must sift through disturbing footage generated by these devices.
The “reduction of friction” in tech:Technologies succeed when they make life easier—but convenience often comes at the cost of privacy and data ownership.
Regulation (or the lack of it):While regions like the EU may impose safeguards, the hosts question whether meaningful regulation will happen in the United States.
Big Questions from the Episode
Are smart glasses the next step in helpful augmented reality—or a new frontier of surveillance?
How much privacy are we willing to trade for convenience?
What responsibilities do technologists—and everyday users—have to ensure technology does no harm?
Final Thoughts
Stephen and Gina close the episode by encouraging listeners to stay engaged with technology while remaining thoughtful about its impact. Their guiding principle: embrace innovation, but strive to “do no harm.”
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit technologykindness.substack.com (https://technologykindness.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
1 Oct 2025
Episode 9: Wearables, Privacy, Ethics
Co-hosts Stephen Cummings and Dr. Gina Griffin examine technology's role in elder care, weighing GPS trackers and voice assistants against ethical concerns like privacy and consent.
21 Jul 2025
Episode 8: Our Emotional Bonds with AI
Hosts Stephen Cummings and Dr. Gina Griffin explore human emotional connections with AI chatbots, discussing attachment, companionship, ethical concerns, and the blurring lines between science fiction and reality in this episode.
27 Jun 2025
Episode 7: New applications, same old AI
Hosts Stephen and Gina examine the VEO3 video application and the persistence of harmful content despite technological advancements, highlighting the slow response of social media platforms to user safety.
9 Jun 2025
Episode 6: The mobile AI app will see you now
Hosts Gina and Steve discuss mobile AI applications designed to support clinical social workers, offering insights into tools like PTSD Coach and Goblin Tools.
24 May 2025
Episode 5: That Awful First Draft, Summer Reading, Using Phone Apps for Writing
Hosts Gina and Stephen discuss using technology apps to enhance creativity, tackle first drafts, and explore summer reading plans, offering insights into tech's impact on writing.
25 Apr 2025
Episode 4: Vacation, Library Apps, AI Spying
This week, Stephen & Gina have a free chat. We had a plan, but it’s the end of the semester, the world is the world, so we let ourselves just talk a bit about vacations (we are pro-time off), Libby and Libro.fm apps (we are pro-audiobooks) and corporate AI’s data-spying (hard no, but the convenience of online maps…)
Some things we talked about this episode:
The Libby Library App (https://libbyapp.com/)
Libro.fm (https://libro.fm/)
Bookshop.or (https://bookshop.org/)g
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit technologykindness.substack.com (https://technologykindness.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
4 Apr 2025
Episode 3: Dangerous Weather & Go-Bags
This week, Gina and Stephen talk about the weather. Specifically, when weather gets dangerous, how technology helps us to prepare and survive. Both the hosts have a history of preparing for bad weather, and how this has evolved with technology over time.
Please let us know what you think! Be sure to subscribe to us on this platform or your preferred podcast app.
Today’s show notes and links:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (https://www.noaa.gov/) (NOAA).
The Iowa derecho of 2020 (https://www.cedar-rapids.org/derecho/), City of Cedar Rapids (Stephen talks about this at the 4 minute mark)
The Iowa Floods of 2008 (https://digital.lib.uiowa.edu/node/43077), University of Iowa Digital Library (Stephen talks about his experiences at at 05:35)
Red Cross - Become a Volunteer, (https://www.redcross.org/volunteer/become-a-volunteer.html?srsltid=AfmBOopyMC7OJLnyMDrlfmXDmB-alpRyi0wqFhbthhYPIC093iYxraf9) American Red Cross
Additional Readings
Psychological First Aid (PFA) and Skills of Psychological Recovery (https://learn.nctsn.org/course/index.php?categoryid=11), NTCSN Learning Center
Dr. Griffin’s Go-Bag Contents:
* Jackery
* Self-charging light bulbs
* Lanterns
* Battery-powered tea lights
* BBQ grill and/or hot plate
* Rechargeable batteries
* Canned goods
* Water containers (5-gallon containers, bathtub water bladders, plasting water skins, recycled jugs…whatever works)
* Water purification pills
* Cooler
* Anything solar-powered
* Storm radio (hand crank or water)
* Mini chainsaw
* Hatchet
* Water barriers/water snakes
* Drill
* Shutters
* Plylocks
* Self-tapping screws
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit technologykindness.substack.com (https://technologykindness.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
21 Mar 2025
Episode 2: Video Games
In Episode 2 of the Tech & Kindness podcast, Stephen and Gina talk about video games, why they enjoy them, and how they are an essential part of life.
Some of the video games we mention in this episode include the following (This isn’t a paid advert, we get no benefit, these are just some of the games we play):
Descent (https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/descendentstudios/descent-underground)
Destiny (https://www.bungie.net/7/en/Destiny)
Monument Valley (https://www.monumentvalleygame.com/mv3)
Gone Home (https://gonehome.com/)
The Room (https://www.fireproofgames.com/games/the-room)
Little Kitty Big City (https://www.littlekittybigcity.com/)
Power Wash Simulator (https://www.nintendo.com/us/store/products/powerwash-simulator-switch/?srsltid=AfmBOopDRyB4DMtjIYGIuzjihPzKUN-hzSks-UlPoqxxcQXqzoGhbmOI)
That Dragon Cancer
http://www.thatdragoncancer.com/
Thanks for listening! We welcome your comments on our Substack (https://technologykindness.substack.com/). Let us know: what games do you enjoy playing? We’re planning a follow up to this episode and we’d love to share recommendations with listeners.
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit technologykindness.substack.com (https://technologykindness.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
5 Mar 2025
Episode 1: Passion Journals
Important note from Dr. G:
Just a reminder that Google Calendar isn't encrypted, so you do have to be careful with client info. The other calendars that I'm connected to anonymize my appointments, so that patient info isn't at risk. You can, however, go a step up and use Google Workspace for client scheduling. You'll have to sign a BAA so that you'll be HIPAA compliant. And yes, I mentioned the Kindle Paperwhite. But I'm doing my best to boycott them, and Amazon books and Audible and Kindle Unlimited are out of my life. You'll have to make your own decisions.
Episode Links!
Stephen mentioned the work of Dr. Desmond Patton: https://www.asc.upenn.edu/people/faculty/desmond-upton-patton-msw-phd (https://www.asc.upenn.edu/people/faculty/desmond-upton-patton-msw-phd)
Stephen's favorite journal (at the moment): https://www.lochby.com/
Dr. Griffin's favorite journal: https://passionplanner.com/
These aren't paid ads; we just like these products!
Thanks for reading The Tech and Kindness Podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work.
Contact Stephen at The Social Work Generalist’s Notebook (https://stephencummings.substack.com/) on Substack.
Contact Gina at Girl, Please (https://substack.com/@theginagi/posts)on Substack
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit technologykindness.substack.com (https://technologykindness.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
8 Sept 2024
Episode 0.5: Welcome to the Tech & Kindness Podcast
Stephen Cummings and Dr. Gina Griffin are two social workers with an interest in the relationship between social work and technology. It makes sense we'd want to do a podcast together!
Start writing today. Use the button below to create a Substack of your own
This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit technologykindness.substack.com (https://technologykindness.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1)
Podcast Authority Score: 1 / 100
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