Promise her anything but make sure it's a Fakia

Spring 2012

With Facebook's share price tanking because it apparently doesn't have a mobile strategy and Nokia's platforming burning because it lacked the social media strategy to turn the smart phone narrative around perhaps it's time to state talking about a merger. Perhaps it's time to start talking about what the world would be like after the iPhone. What the world would be like when everybody has Google glasses and is wearing a Fakia.

Let's begin by imagining life in a world where everybody is wearing Google glasses. I'm sitting in the coffee shop. I look up. I see you there and immediately, thanks to facial recognition technology, Google provides me with instant access to your virtual identity. I know all your secrets. In a blink I know more about you than you have forgotten. We smile at one another knowingly. You keep no secrets from me... and thanks to your Googles nor I from you.

Then I rescan the passing parade and I see a smile. But not a pretty face. Why? She's wearing a Fakia.

A social mask designed exclusively by the R&D team that merged Facebook's social web and Nokia's Morph into the fashional haute couture of the 2020's.

She knows it's all about her looking at me looking at her and thanks to Fakia she's in control of her own identity. She knows me but I know only what she wants of me. By wearing a Fakia she can be anybody she wants to be.

Track back 500 years to the origins of the masked balls of Europe and you'll discover the origins of the masque were originally a social device to hide the stigma of disease (e.g. the pox). Only later did the tricks of the social outcast becomes an exuberant fashion statement.

Fast forward ten years and chances are we will have a generation not only eager to hide from the social stigma of their mismanaged virtual youth but also willing to pay for the chance to be somebody they are not.

Looking for that perfect pick up line or the ultimate put down when you walk out on her? Just select one of the presets and the masque changes. All you need do is utter the magic words. Want her to tag a long for the long ride? The how about throwing a little bit of Schwarzenegger into the mix ("Come with me if you want to live")? Alternatively try the Joker ( "Introduce a little anarchy"). Had enough? Time to move on? Then give her the Clark Gable treatment ("Frankly my dear I don't give a damn"). Alternatively if you are thinking of leaving her wanting more then give Arnie another try ("I'll be back").

This is the beauty of living life wearing a Fakia.

Regardless of where you are and what you are doing today you can fake it till you make it. Just like everybody else.

For what is life, this art of being social, if not a masquerade?

This then is Fakia. A masque for every moment. And yes, best of all, it's Google proof.

No wonder in 2020 they'll all be saying promise her anything but make sure it's a Fakia

Till next time...