Name: BigBites
Smart Cities to Introduce AI-Powered Trash Cans That Judge Your Recycling Habits
In an effort to make cities even smarter, urban planners have announced the rollout of AI-powered trash cans that not only sort your recyclables but also judge your recycling habits. These high-tech bins are equipped with facial recognition technology to identify who is throwing away what, providing personalized feedback in real-time. "We want citizens to feel like they're being watched—because they are," said Dr. Emma Green, lead developer of the project. "Our goal is to create a society where people recycle out of fear rather than responsibility." The system works by assigning each household a 'Recycling Karma Score,' which affects everything from utility bills to social media reputation scores. Those with high scores get discounts on eco-friendly products and badges on their social media profiles saying "I'm greener than you." Conversely, those with low scores might find themselves facing public shaming through giant digital billboards displaying their recycling failures. Critics argue that this approach could lead to an increase in anxiety among residents, but proponents claim it’s all about gamifying sustainability for the greater good. "This isn't just about recycling; it’s about creating a culture where everyone feels guilty enough to do better," explained Mayor Jane Smith during her weekly podcast. As part of this initiative, local schools will introduce new subjects like "Recycling Ethics" and "Trash Psychology," aiming to educate children from an early age about the importance of proper waste management—and how not doing it right can ruin your online reputation forever. When asked if there were plans for similar judgmental systems for other aspects of life (like diet or fashion choices), Dr. Green coyly replied, "Let’s just say we’re exploring all possibilities." In related news, shares in therapy services have skyrocketed as people prepare for their trash cans telling them what they’re doing wrong every day. This satire takes a lighthearted look at smart city initiatives by exaggerating them into absurdity while maintaining neutrality by focusing on technology rather than political or sensitive topics directly.
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