Assignment 6: Write your responses to the readings and if you think that connecting physical objects to the Internet is beneficial or detrimental?

Technological advances have redefined most of our lives. The more gadgets that are produced, the more we use them and let them take over our lives. Many of us live attached to our phones and are introducing smart technology into our homes as well. People have apps to open their doors and shut off their lights. The New York Times article, “Thermostats, Locks and Lights: Digital Tools of Domestic Abuse” by Nellie Bowles, discusses the potential danger of these Internet connected devices. Bowles states, “Internet-connected locks, speakers, thermostats, lights and cameras that have been marketed as the newest conveniences are now also being used as a means for harassment, monitoring, revenge and control”. These devices are supposed to be convenient for us but for some people it can turn into their worst nightmare. I believe they do make life easier but it can lead us to depending on technology for everything, which might not be the best option.

According to the article, “A manifesto for networked objects: why things matter” by Julian Bleecker, we should consider all the possibilities of how the objects around us can interact with us through different software. Bleecker explains his idea about objects that “blog” and its meaning. There are objects that are essentially “blogging” due to technological advances.  For example, “the pigeon that blogs”, is “an early protozoa on the Blogject species evolutionary chain”. This pigeon or flock of pigeons have a GPS device attached to them and with that we can know where it has been flying. This device also has “an environmental sensor that records the levels of toxins and pollutants in the air through which they fly”, so we can use it to detect pollution. Essentially, with this software our pets could begin to blog as well but Bleecker is not promoting the idea that everything around us will blog or that these devices will take over. The article, As objects go online The Promise (and pitfalls) of the Internet of Things, by Neil Gershenfeld and JP Vasseur, state that with advances in circuits and software can lead to a computer sending information to a coffeemaker so it could turn on from your bed. This could lead to major lifestyle changes and it could help us better use our resources and help the world but it can also be detrimental to us. If we keep relying on technology to do simple tasks such as turning off the lights, then we might be on the road to a lazier future.

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