Smart glasses are no longer a novelty, but the latest versions powered by artificial intelligence are taking on a completely different and highly controversial and concerning use. In China, more and more students are using these devices to increase their chances of passing exams... by cheating in an almost invisible way.
According to a report by Rest of the World, smart glasses equipped with advanced language models (AI) have become a "trend" among students. Equipped with cameras and microphones, these glasses can scan exam questions and display answers directly on the lenses, using highly advanced technology without being conspicuous.
Unlike early models that were bulky and uncomfortable, modern versions from companies like Xiaomi and Alibaba feature sleek designs and are almost indistinguishable from regular glasses. Although their use has been banned in important national exams and public administration tests, they continue to be used in regular school exams.
An experiment conducted by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology showed that a student using smart glasses with an AI model like ChatGPT managed to rank in the top five out of 100 participants, with an average score of 92.5 out of 100. Meanwhile, the overall average score of students was only 72 points.
Although the price of these glasses ranges from $270 to over $1,000, many students are avoiding the cost by renting them. Second-hand market platforms offer dozens of rental options, with prices ranging from $6 to $12 per day.
A student from Hebei province, identified as Vivian, has admitted to using smart glasses to cheat in every subject where she feels she might not pass the exam, and even rents them out to other students. With the help of a small remote control that looks like a ring, users can scan texts and questions, which are processed by AI, and the answers appear instantly on the lenses, unnoticed by others.