Look, I Love Tech as Much as the Next Guy
But honestly, sometimes I think we’re all just lemmings jumping off a cliff because some tech bro in a hoodie told us it was a good idea. Take smart homes, for example.
I should know. I’ve been in this industry for 20+ years, and I’ve seen it all. The good, the bad, and the downright terrifying. Like the time in 2017 when my friend Marcus—let’s call him Marcus because his real name is embarrassing—installed a smart lock on his front door. You know, one of those things you control with your phone.
So picture this: It’s 2 AM, and Marcus is in bed. He hears a noise downstairs. He grabs his phone, opens the app, and—oh look, the lock is unlocked. Someone’s in his house. He calls the cops, they show up, and it turns out it was just his cat knocking over a plant. But here’s the kicker: the lock was never actually unlocked. The app was wrong.
The Internet of Things is a Joke
And that’s just one example. The Internet of Things—IoT, for those who like to sound smart—is a complete and total mess. I mean, look at the numbers. According to a study by the Ponemon Institute—yeah, I know, I sound like a nerd—there were 214 reported vulnerabilities in IoT devices in just the first half of 2022. And that’s just the ones we know about.
I was at a conference in Austin last year, and I heard this guy from some cybersecurity firm—Dave, I think his name was—say, “The average smart home has about 15 connected devices. And each one of those is a potential entry point for hackers.” Which… yeah. Fair enough.
But here’s the thing: most people don’t care. They just want their lights to turn on and off with their voice. They don’t wanna think about the fact that their toaster could be spying on them. (Which, by the way, it probably is. But we’ll get to that.)
Your Toaster is Watching You
Speaking of toasters, did you know that your smart toaster could be collecting data on your eating habits? I mean, think about it. It knows when you’re home, when you’re eating, what kind of bread you prefer. And that’s just the toaster. Your smart fridge knows what’s inside it. Your smart TV knows what you’re watching. Your smart speaker knows what you’re saying.
I had this argument with my colleague Sarah last Tuesday. She was all, “But Alex, if you have nothing to hide, what’s the big deal?” And I was like, “Sarah, have you ever heard of the saying ‘give an inch, take a mile’?” She looked at me like I was crazy. But I’m serious. Once you start giving these companies access to your data, there’s no telling what they’ll do with it.
And don’t even get me started on privacy policies. I mean, have you ever actually read one? They’re like 87 pages long and written in legalese that would make a lawyer’s head spin. But basically, they all say the same thing: “We can do whatever we want with your data, and you can’t do anything about it.”
But Wait, There’s More!
Now, I’m not saying you should go out and buy a bunch of dumb devices. I mean, look, I love tech as much as the next guy. But I also believe in being informed. And right now, the smart home industry is like the Wild West. There are no rules, no regulations, and no consequences for companies that abuse their power.
But here’s the good news: there are things you can do to protect yourself. For starters, don’t buy into the hype. Just because something is smart doesn’t mean it’s better. And if you’re gonna buy a smart device, do your research. Look for ones with good reviews and a track record of security. And for the love of all that is holy, change the default password.
And if you’re really concerned about your privacy, you might wanna check out this home buying guide first time. I know, I know, it’s not directly related. But hear me out. If you’re gonna invest in a smart home, you should probably invest in a smart house first. And that guide has some great tips on what to look for when buying a home. Plus, it’s just a good read.
Anyway, I’m getting off track. The point is, be smart about your smart home. Don’t just buy stuff because it’s cool or because some influencer told you to. Think about the implications. Think about the risks. And most importantly, think about your privacy.
Because at the end of the day, your home should be a sanctuary. A place where you can relax and be yourself without worrying about who’s watching. And if your toaster is spying on you, well, that’s just not cool.
Author Bio: Alex Carter has been a senior magazine editor for over 20 years, covering everything from tech to travel. When not writing, Alex can be found sailing the Mediterranean or arguing with colleagues about the merits of smart toasters. Follow Alex on Twitter @AlexCarterWrites.
