Google’s Simple Test To Check Sobriety Or Alertness

Updated: February 5, 2026 (Originally published May 2, 2009)

Unofficial Networks, the parent company of gCaptain, runs all of its email servers with commercial version of google’s popular email client gMail. There were many reasons for this choice but they all focus in on reliable and innovative features in a simple and easy to use format. So you can imagine our surprise when a new feature showed up called “gMail Goggles”. This service helps prevent regrettable circumstances resulting from late-night drunken e-mailing and works quite simply. we will let google explain;

When you enable Mail Goggles, it will check that you’re really sure you want to send that late night Friday email. And what better way to check than by making you solve a few simple math problems after you click send to verify you’re in the right state of mind?

Simple and effective. While some have suggested breath analyzers be installed on the bridge of all ships might the solution be much simpler? Is intoxication still a major problem among watchkeepers or is the occasional lack of sleep, stress and disorientation among watchkeepers a larger problem? Regardless, a few simple math problems could help determine your ability to stand watch and give confidence to the person you are relieving.

So the question to you is;

Illustration by Lars Leetaru of the NYTimes.

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