My 14-year-old son used to play video games on a hand-held device—sometimes with a little extra emphasis. But because they were electronic, the varying degree of “push” he applied had very little effect on the screen movement of the pixelated character. That is until the NintendoWii.

The Wii came with wireless handheld controls that not only reflected arm movements, but returned physical sensations to the player as feedback on the accuracy of the movement.

The Wii also came with a warning:  Players often stand up to interact with the games and therefore need space requirements. Controllers included straps for security as you whipped your arm around serving up that killerace in Wii Tennis.

Many controllers went flying across the room, injuring people and damaging furniture and TVs. However, the physical enthusiasm was just what the doctor ordered to combat “couch potato” syndrome.

When my son received a Microsoft Xbox 360 with Kinect, the controller went away because the Xbox could read your movements. As a result, we realized that it couldn't be hooked up to the TV in the basement, as there wasn't enough room, so the Xbox was relegated to the living room's 55-inch television. My son didn't mind at all; I on the other hand, did.

To my mind, this evolution in gaming is the latest milestone in the ever-growing consequences of the distracted consumer.

Ok Glass…

Let me introduce you to Google Glass, a slim, futuristic computer-based headgear with some incredible features. Users give instructions to the device by saying “Ok, Glass…” With its optical head-mounted display (OHMD), Google Glass can take videos from the wearer's perspective and share them in real time with anyone, all hands free. It can provide directions via its heads-up display, keep you on schedule and answer questions via its built-in assistant, Google Now.

Google Glass has garnered all sorts of reactions; from people touting the coolness factor to others claiming it's too radical for it to ever catch on. The passion behind these stories is partly due to the fact that the device is only available to a lucky few who are part of Google Glass' Explorer's Program and were willing to pay a “paltry” $1,500.

Google is using this real-world testing phase as a way to gain acceptance, grow buzz and give Explorers, many of whom are developers, time to create apps to enhance its appeal.

Perhaps, too, this time can be used to help uncover the kinks in the coolness armor. Right now, concerns over individuals' privacy have caused a number of places to “pre-ban” its use. According to an article in Search Engine Journal, 10 types of places have already banned Google Glass:

1. Bars
2. Casinos
3. Strip clubs
4. Classrooms
5. Hospitals
6. Cars
7. Movie theaters
8. Locker rooms/dressing rooms
9. Sports arenas/concert venues
10. Banks/ATMs.

And it doesn't stop there. According to Politico, four states have introduced legislation this year to prohibit wearable technology while driving. The trepidation surrounding this new technology has evoked a nickname for those intrepid Explorers: “Glassholes.”

So whether Google Glass becomes the next iPhone or if it's something else in the wearable computer category, what are the insurance implications for owners and users of these new devices?

Related: From the author, read “Pin It“

We already have mentioned privacy issues or intellectual property rights as in its ban in theaters and concerts. The added challenge with Google Glass is the almost imperceptible ability to shoot video or take pictures without anyone knowing it.

The device causes a real distraction factor as an image is directly in front of your eye. There are enough examples of people walking into traffic or poles because they were preoccupied watching the latest YouTube video of talking parrots on their smartphone.

In fact, researchers from the University of Washington monitoring 20 of Seattle's busiest intersections noted that:

• Pedestrians who text are four times less likely to look before crossing the street, cross in crosswalks, or obey traffic signals
• Texting pedestrians take an average of two seconds longer to cross the street.

Insurance for wearable?

So how are insurers and agents handling this new and growing risk factor? As insurance agents, what responsibility do you have to educate your insured to the dangers? It's not just distracted driving or walking, but also the overall exposure.

What is our role as educators and advocates for living safer lives? If, as insurance agents, your jobs are to protect your clients' financial well being by providing them protection that will assure that they can be made whole after an accident, injury or disaster—and if your standing among the carriers you represent improves with “good” risks—is your job to simply seek the best risks? Or is it to improve the quality of those people you insure?

It is similar to risk management for individuals. If commercial lines clients value risk management services, why wouldn't personal lines clients feel the same? If you look for ways to differentiate your agency from the competition, bringing that value add to the sales process would certainly be a start.

I know this discussion is a far cry from where we began with Google Glass, but new technology continues to force us to look at our world and life differently. As wearable computers make their way into our lives, insurance will need to find a way to make it happen. We all know, without insurance nothing can happen.

Related from the author: Read “Networking IRL“