Smart Gadgets, Dumb Humans!

We live in a world where almost every consumer appliance begins with the word smart. Smart phone, Smart TV, Smart watch, Smart fridge, Smart washing machine and so on. What do these appliances/gadgets really mean for the human race. Do they help us evolve and if so is that the right way?

Let us examine a few pros and cons; On the positive side these gadgets do make our busy lives much simpler. You no longer have to remember birthdays or appointments, your smart phone can remind you of just about anything in this world. Have a look at this link to understand the impact on the travel industry.

A smart TV keeps you more connected with the world and with the latest entertainment technologies. More recently companies have introduced smart refrigerators [LG smart fridge] and smart washing machines [LG smart Washing Machine] which allow you to monitor the tasks of that appliance remotely.

And the list doesn't end there. One of the latest trends is wearable devices that are more personal and are things that you wear on your person. These include fitness devices like fitness bands and smartphone apps that help you keep fit and lead a healthy lifestyle. Other wearables include head up displays, smart watches and there are talks of even smart shoes .

The home automation industry has introduced a whole list of smart gadgets but for the sake of brevity i’ll exclude those devices from this list.

While it’s obvious that these devices bring benefit to our lives in many ways, whats not so obvious is the downside of using and relying too much on these devices.

The TV has always been an invention that reduced physical activity for the human race. Before the television was invented who would've talked about reaching home and relaxing with a beer and one’s favourite TV show on. This is aggravated even more with the introduction of smart TVs. While all information in the world is available at the press of a button (or 10 buttons!) how many people actually make use of this amazing technology in the right way? For example, smart TVs can be used to access fitness videos on the internet and create your own home gym with instructor included. How many people listen to one of the many inspirational TED talks ?

While smart appliances like washing machines and refrigerators will help you save time and money they will make you more lazy. For example you will no longer go to your fridge to check what items are in short supply, your fridge will talk to your mobile phone and create a shopping list.

While wearables like fitness bands have a potential to do good they are yet to be widely adopted because no one yet sells a complete fitness solution, i.e. fitness bands, health foods, diet app, and so on. Just owning a fitness band will not keep you fit.

So, as you see, while I’ve not been over critical about the evils of smart gadgets (having owned quite a few myself), I am mindful of the downside of relying too much on them.

To summarise, smart gadgets have definitely helped improve our standard of living but at a small albeit important cost of our health.

Don’t let any gadget be smarter than you!