A social media influencer named Burgundy Waller, known online as "Chip Girl," made waves when she appeared to make a payment for her groceries using an implanted chip in her hand. The intriguing story of Waller's apparent technological feat emerged recently, with reports suggesting that she had the chip implanted within her body back in 2020. Unilad, a news outlet, covered this development on Sunday.
The chip, reportedly positioned between her thumb and index finger, has not only been employed for grocery purchases but has also taken the place of her conventional keys. This innovation allows her to effortlessly unlock her home and various cupboards. Waller shared her latest experiment with her followers as she approached the cash register at a Whole Foods store. Placing her right hand over the payment device, she excitedly exclaimed, "I'm at Whole Foods and I'm about to pay for my groceries with my hand." To the amazement of both Waller and her audience, the payment appeared to be successfully processed, prompting her to declare, "That's the coolest thing ever."
The idea for this unique implant seemingly originated from a discussion with her technologically inclined husband. By embracing this technology, Waller has achieved a new level of convenience, no longer requiring a physical credit card to navigate her daily activities. However, her unconventional approach has sparked various reactions on social media.
While some criticized her decision, highlighting the irony of avoiding artificial ingredients in groceries while embracing an implanted chip, others speculated about the legitimacy of her demonstration. Skeptics questioned whether the payment was actually facilitated by the chip or if she had cleverly concealed a debit card. Responding to these doubts, some users mentioned the rising prevalence of RFID/NFC implants, suggesting that this technology could indeed be in play.
Amidst the intriguing discourse, concerns were raised about the implications of such technological advancements. One individual expressed apprehension about the implications of these actions, describing the situation as unsettling.
On her TikTok profile, Waller boasts an impressive following of 4.8 million users. In her self-description, she identifies as a law student, wife, bonus mom, innovator, entrepreneur, and dog mom.
This isn't the first instance of chip implantation making headlines. In a USA Today report from 2017, it was suggested that microchips could eventually become commonplace, gaining acceptance similar to that of piercings and tattoos. An example was given of a man in Detroit, Michigan, who reportedly implanted a chip in his hand to conveniently unlock and start his Tesla vehicle, along with storing crucial contact and medical information, including vaccination records against diseases such as the Chinese coronavirus.
As society continues to navigate the intersections of technology and personal integration, stories like Burgundy Waller's chip implant experience provide both fascination and contemplation about the direction in which our relationship with technology is headed.
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