A Brief Introduction

Let me preface by saying I utilize technology as much as the next 20-something year old; I own an iPhone, MacBook Air, and fiddle with Twitter and Instagram. I have, however, never truly embraced mobile apps. There are a few productivity apps that I’ll play with, Spotify/Rdio make the cut, Uber/Lyft are there for when their services are needed, and a standard few social media apps (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc). Beyond that, I don’t really need any other apps; I’ve never downloaded Angry Birds, Candy Crush, or Flappy Bird. I grew up with two parents who both worked in the technology sector. My dad has launched a few startups some of which got acquired, and a few that failed. I grew up in the Bay Area with no lack of resources, technological or otherwise. I’m stating all this so it’s clear that I am not against technological advancement. I think it’s wonderful.

However, the more I mull it over, the more I think that these innovative gadgets, services, and apps that are being created in the Silicon Valley (and elsewhere) are, for the most part, being marketed towards a relatively small niche market (a certain population, if you will). The ability to get (local + sustainable or simply conventional) groceries delivered to your home, to have a car show up at your location with a few taps, or to be able to control the temperature or lights of your home remotely from your phone is amazing. Considering electricity was not widely available in most private homes until 70-80 years ago, the advancements we’ve made are unbelievable. However, are all these apps/devices/services necessary? Maybe — if you have the disposable income to afford it, why not?

I recently spoke with someone who wants to make an indoor Nest-esque device with the additional implementation of security cameras, etc. I asked him why he felt, offhand, this device was important and necessary. He spoke about how knowing the temperature, the air quality, and the security of a home was important in today’s world; he mentioned that air quality was important for productivity or if people were using kerosene heaters, that air quality would be a concern. I countered with two points: 1) the price point for such a device would not be low (he quoted a price range of $150-250) and chances are, a family that is relying on a kerosene heater to keep warm would not be able to afford the device, 2) when it comes to security, I feel as if relying solely on security cameras is a cop out.

Why do I have an issue with these gadgets?

For starters, I am not against using technology to learn how to be more energy-efficient, to improve air quality, or to help monitor your home. Since we have the tools, I see no reason why we shouldn’t use them. I see no reason why we shouldn’t improve existing devices and gadgets; humans are good at adapting and improving. However, I feel like we can do so much more.

The majority of these devices and services are marketed towards middle-upper/upper class folks. As with my previous example, the device would be greatly useful for a family with a kerosene heater except, with a price tag of $150, they might not be able to afford it. Services such as groceries on demand would be wonderful for a single parent household where the single parent might be holding down two jobs and has his or her hands utterly full; however, the question remains, can he or she afford such a service? There are a lot of discussions flying around about how GMO foods are unhealthy, how it’s important that food be sustainable and locally sourced, how organic food is (maybe?) better in the long run. These discussions epitomize #firstworldproblems. I believe they’re important issues but maybe we should shine the spotlight on another aspect of food and health — in the US, as of the 2012 US Census, 6 million Americans had no cash income and were existing solely off of food stamps, social security, and other forms of government/family assistance. Whether or not food is locally sourced or organic is the least of their issues; there’s a high possibility they might not even eat three meals a day. Instead of leaving it (mostly) to government policy makers, why can’t we do more? If I’ve learned anything so far, it’s that when innovative start-up people (techies, if you will) find something they’re passionate about, they’ll fight for their ideas.

When it comes to security, I can see the appeal. Homes are “ours”. They are a sanctuary and for many, an investment; it only makes sense that one wants to protect an investment. However, when was the last time you really got to know your neighbors? As others have bemoaned, I believe technology does isolate us from each other whilst simultaneously connecting us. One reason people put up security cameras is for the “just in case”; if neighbors were watching out for each other would there be a “just in case”? (I know, I’m being very optimistic). All I’m arguing is that perhaps if we didn’t seek to distance ourselves from each other, if we got to know our neighbors, or simply if the “world-outside-work, friends, and family” were to become a little less scary, maybe we wouldn’t need security cameras as much. Maybe it’s these fences and security cameras that encourages an “us versus them” mentality and makes the outside world seem formidable and “scary”.

Final Thoughts

These devices and services are popular and in-demand because they make life easier. But for whom are they making life easier? A relatively, small percentage of the population. There are a few tech companies that are working for the “greater good”; I commend them. There are so many bright minds that I feel if just a larger % of those minds were inclined to work for the “greater good”, instead of building the next Flappy Bird or Facebook (nothing against you if that’s your goal — good luck), we might get just a little closer to narrowing the wealth inequality gap. I have met a lot of people who want to help, to change the world but who just don’t know how. Maybe, if we all just put our heads together we can begin brainstorming and who knows what could happen then. Is wanting to make the world a better place asking too much?

I might just be overly optimistic (and a little naïve).