| Role | Communication • entertainment • engagement |
| Type | High-tech information disseminator |
| Users | Governments • Businesses • Entertainment industry |
| Issues | Privacy concerns • censorship debates • digital divide |
| Place of origin | |
| Augmented reality displays | Personalized feeds of news, announcements, advertisements, and information |
| Preserved traditional form | In some rural and conservative areas |
Town criers have long served as vital information conduits, bringing the most recent news to the general public. In this alternate timeline, technology has greatly augmented their role, enabling them to provide highly personalized, digital feeds via augmented reality (AR). Artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms allow modern cries to tailor their announcements to individual preferences and concerns, even anticipating content that may be of interest.
As digital displays became prevalent and AR technology improved, many traditional town criers adopted these tools to enhance their reach and impact. This shift was hastened by the ever-increasing speed of communication and information dissemination afforded by such technology. By the mid-21st Century, most towns had at least one digital crier tasked with delivering news, advertisements, or public bulletins.
Town criers employing AR devices connected to AI systems analyze both publicly available data and personal preferences to craft highly targeted digital broadcasts. Through machine learning, the algorithms enhance their ability to predict what information citizens might desire. Not only does this minimize time spent receiving uninteresting content, but it also ensures news of import is shared appropriately.
Some rural communities, as well as individuals for whom nostalgia or tradition holds great value, maintain the practice of "analog" town cries. In these cases, the crier forgoes the digital feed for a more classic proclamation, preserving the human touch and emotion frequently lost in impersonal digital renderings.
Utilization of town criers within society centers around governance, commerce, and entertainment. Digital cries have become instrumental in distributing official government announcements to vast audiences, ensuring transparency and promoting collaboration in decision-making. Businesses, of course, employ these individuals in advertising events, promotions, and brand awareness. The entertainment industry appreciates the criers' role in promoting events and productions, ensuring audiences remain informed and engaged.
The use of AR-enabled town criers has raised questions regarding data privacy and censorship. Concerns surround data collection as well as how AI algorithms select which information to present and who has access to that information. While town cries remain a crucial public service, measures must be undertaken to ensure individual privacy is respected and protected.
Censorship concerns also arise when some entities seek to manipulate or restrict the information criers broadcast, based on their interests. Establishing ethical guidelines and enacting legislation that manages these issues is a continuous process and debate. Ultimately, maintaining the integrity of information shared through town criers while adhering to privacy and ethical considerations remains at the forefront of conversations about this profession.
Furthermore, as the role of town criers moves away from pure news and information to encompass more personalized curation, ongoing education and training for these individuals ensure a clear understanding of the legal and moral nuances associated with their trade.
