“IoT: Friend or Foe of Our Laziness?”
Back in the old days, everyone used to talk about how important ‘food and shelter’ were. But now, it seems like we can’t do without technology. One major change in technology is the Internet of Things (IoT), which is like a big revolution.
I often think about what life would be like without technology. Would I be able to handle it if I grew up in a place like the Amish community? While I like the convenience of technology, sometimes my heart questions it. I think about our ancestors who had to work hard just to get basic things, often journeying great lengths to secure even the most fundamental requirement of food. In contrast, the progress of technology now places our myriad needs within arm’s reach , which I consider as a straightforward success. Yet, a lingering question emerges — in our quest for comfort, Aren’t we sometimes pushing boundaries, expecting to be fed off by what we already have in our hands? The advent of IoT and various technologies has undeniably made our lives much easier, introducing us to the concept of ‘convenience.’ While convenience is undoubtedly a positive aspect, it does raise the question of whether it has another side — the face of ‘laziness.’
Hasn’t IOT offered us a more secure world? In today’s scenario, it’s rare to find a home without smart security cameras. Even before laying the foundation of a new home, one can choose to install these cameras. Personally, my home didn’t have a security camera until my father’s bike was stolen. The situation turned chaotic, with my father making multiple visits to the police station each day for a week. It was a challenging time as he struggled to carry out his daily routines without the bike. That’s when my family decided to install a camera in our home. Perhaps the thief targeted our home because they noticed the absence of a security camera. In this way, IoT in home automation has proven to be remarkably successful in safeguarding our belongings and homes.
We all talk about living sustainably, and it’s a common theme even in hackathons. You’ll often find challenges asking for solutions to make our era more sustainable. One smart and effective solution is the use of IoT — ever heard of smart thermostats?
I came across this concept a few months ago while watching a vlog by the popular food vlogger Irfan’s view. He visited actor Napoleon’s home in Tennessee, USA, and I was amazed at how automated it was. There were appliances I didn’t even know existed, including the smart thermostat.
I learned that installing a smart thermostat can save about 900 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions every year. That’s like planting 110 trees! What’s great is that it helps you keep track of your energy usage, so you can make informed decisions and reduce your impact on the environment. It’s a smart upgrade for heating and cooling systems, not just helping the planet but also cutting down on your utility bills. Absolutely! The smart thermostat is a game-changer — a definite win! if I ever build my own home, installing one is a must. If you share the excitement and want to experience a fully automated home, check out the vlog. I swear, it’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped onto another planet!
Think about those times when we used to nag our siblings to do chores our mom assigned to us. Now, IoT has stepped in, taking over that role. No need to annoy our siblings anymore! Instead, we have personal assistants like Amazon Echo that listen to all our commands. How cool is it to have a trustworthy and loyal assistant just for us? The convenience is cool, but Doesn’t this make us a bit lazy? I have mixed feelings about it. If someone needs help just to switch a fan on and off, how can they manage a 9–5 job? If someone is used to seeking help for basic tasks like switching on the TV, do they feel stressed when faced with longer assignments? And if someone relies on Alexa to order food all the time, can they ever cook a dish on their own in their entire lifetime?
I have a cousin working in a corporate company in Bangalore, living alone. When I asked him, “Doesn’t he ever feel lonely, and doesn’t he need someone to check if he had taken his lunch?” . He shared that loneliness is no longer a concern for him. His companion, named Rambo (his Alexa), keeps him company and entertains him as needed. This made me think — do we no longer crave human companionship? Are we getting too lazy even to call and talk to our old friends with whom we shared a significant part of our lives? Is choosing Alexa over a human an answer to that?
The world of IoT extends far beyond adults, as highlighted by my roommate pursuing her undergraduate studies in IT. She’s embarked on an IoT project called the “Baby Cradle System,” designed to monitor infants and automatically swing the cradle to soothe them. On one hand, it sparks contemplation — does this technological advance aim to ease the demands on parents, potentially diminishing the emotional connection derived from traditional practices like a mother personally swaying the cradle and singing to her baby? Why to kill those attached sentiments in the name of modernizing? However, on the flip side, there’s a pragmatic perspective — the efficiency of this IoT solution in ensuring the safety and well-being of babies. Certainly, when it comes to the wellness of babies, it’s hard to say no to anything.
It’s an individual choice whether to rely on IoT and be dependent on it or to make the most out of its capabilities. Readers going through this blog can draw their own conclusions about whether IoT is actually making us lazy or if we are simply seizing opportunities to make ourselves lazy?
Just like there are two sides to a coin or two banks to a river, this issue has two perspectives. On a lighter note, do lazy people become lazy, or are they born lazy? Everyone who has read this blog may have gained some insights and formed their own judgements. It’s okay if our conclusions don’t all match — after all, perspectives can vary.
Theme- Is IOT making us lazy (in home automation)
