From our TVs, refrigerators, and coffee makers to our cars, toothbrushes, and even the family pet, in today’s digital-first world, everything is connected. Our reliance on connected devices is also not expected to reduce any time soon. In fact, according to a report from IoT Analytics, even with chip shortages continuing to slow the Internet of Things market recovery, the market is still expected to grow 18 percent to 14.4 billion active connections in 2022. It is also expected that there will be approximately 27 billion connected IoT devices by 2025.
How a Connected Everything World Will Impact Our Lives
For those already accustomed to using connected devices and digital technologies, this massive growth in connected devices could well likely enhance daily life. For example, instead of flipping through channels after coming home from a long day of work, your digital home assistant could decide what you’d want to watch based on your viewing history and turn to that specific program for you. On top of this, your digital assistant could also draw the curtains for ample lighting and adjust the indoor temperature for a comfortable viewing experience. This is what’s possible in a connected everything world.
However, this connected life might not be suitable for everyone. I grew up in a small town with a family that, for the most part, still likes to do things the old-fashioned way, even if a replacement technology has been available for decades. This includes washing dishes by hand, instead of using a dishwasher, and opting for a traditional manually-operated vacuum as opposed to a Roomba.
Although my work focuses on helping others understand and implement connected solutions, I must admit that I carry a bit of my family’s traditional mindset. My priority has never been making my home as smart as possible by purchasing high-tech smart appliances and networking all my assets that can connect to the Internet into one master system. Although I do own several smart devices, I would have to say that I would be considered a late adopter of smart home technology.
Depending on your needs and objectives, there is a seemingly limitless number of technologies to choose from for modernizing your home or your everyday life. With new products and services coming available all the time, always having the newest, most advanced technology on the market can become a daunting and overwhelming process. Not everyone needs a smart device for everything, but the good news is that there are enough options to pick and choose from that we can decide to have as many for as few smart items in our homes as we see fit.
IoT, Blockchain, and AI – Oh My
Connected devices and solutions are just as (if not more) beneficial in the business world as it is in our personal world. In fact, IoT paired with Blockchain and AI are providing remarkable advantages for privacy, security, immutability, transparency, and the automation of business processes. These innovations are driving the digitization of industries, and their convergence is increasing the quality of data management by reaching a higher degree of data security and standardization.
New business models and innovations can also be enabled through the convergence of IoT, Blockchain, and AI. For instance, a connection between these technologies could be that IoT collects and provides data, Blockchain offers the infrastructure and sets up the rules of engagement, and AI optimizes processes and rules. If applied combined, IoT, Blockchain, and AI are complements and can exploit their full potential.
The Impact of Connected Devices on The Environment
According to a survey by Deloitte, the average household now has 25 connected devices, which is up from 11 in 2019. Unfortunately, all of these devices come at an environmental cost: Mountains and rivers of electronic waste (also known as e-waste). In addition to causing overflowing landfills, e-waste can leach toxic chemicals or catch fire.
To save our planet, it’s imperative to reduce the impact of our devices. Here’s how we can do that.
- Keep your devices longer: If you can repair a older phone of computer model or install a few upgrades to get another year of use, do so. If everyone kept a smartphone for an additional year instead of upgrading, it would reduce emissions as much as taking 636,000 cars off the road.
- Consider longevity when purchasing a new device: Research how easy it would be to upgrade or repair a new device you’re thinking of purchasing. You an also seek out modular devices designed to be easy to take apart and customize.
- Give your devices a second life: When it’s time to dispose old devices, gie them a second life by passing them along to a friend or family member. You can also donate them to a recycling or refurbishing center, many of which offer a financial bonus by letting your write off he value of your donation.
You could have a positive impact on our planet by keeping these important tips in-mind the next time you’re thinking of buying a new device.
The Societal Impact of Connected Devices
As a whole, society is already seeing the effects of digital lifestyles. Families are getting more disconnected, using technology to entertain and educate children. Remote and virtual work has shifted the dynamic of most households. Increasing stress levels and isolation are the result of how society has placed digital connections over in-person communications.
Additionally, unequal access to new technology is widening the digital divide, which is the gap between demographics in a region and their access to the Internet and new information communication technology. As our lives get more connected the digital divide will continue to grow, leaving those without access to technology even further behind.
With so many other capabilities, connected devices can provide us with limitless potential. However, with great power comes great responsibility. Connected devices must be closely monitored to ensure minimal impact on our environment, our society, and our necessary connection to the physical world.
