Dumb vs Smart
It seems in many ways dumb devices are better than smart devices:
Why? Security, privacy, and quality.
Anything with a network connection can be hacked: smart TV’s, cars, streaming boxes, appliances, routers and every other smart device, or IoT device, have all been hacked.
Anything that gets a software update can get hacked. That’s called a backdoor.
Then there’s the fact that most smart devices track how you use them, and many of them upload and sell that information to 3rd parties. There is money to be made in tracking the habits of their users, and companies exist to make money.
Think about it. Look around your life. Think about what you need to do, and if that needs to be trackable, hackable, and exploitable.
Things we used to do without smart technology:
- Drive somewhere
- Watch TV or Listen to music
- Read a book
- Play a game
- Talk to a friend
- Research something
Nowadays, most people use connected devices to accomplish these tasks. The underbelly of the convenience they promise is the tracking and exploitation these devices offer their manufacturers.
Is the world better after knowing everything you’ve watched, listened to, read, googled, browsed, and seen? I’d argue no.
The only thing improved is the bottom line of the company selling this data, and their ability to get the device to keep you using it longer than you would have naturally.
The lack of security and privacy in their software is covered up with perpetual updates.
Overall, the whole situation doesn’t feel very smart to me.