Is Convenience Creating Hazards In The Digital Age?Kate Voss Part of whats alarming about this situation is that Google recently acquired the home automation tech developer Nest. On the one hand, Google has done a tremendous amount to create an experience for Internet browsers that weeds out marketing ploys and, ideally speaking, takes users to the sites which are most relevant to their search queries. On the other hand, because so many people use Google, they have comprehensive data about virtually everyone in the developed world, and theyve also been working, rather pro-actively, towards increasing Internet availability in remote corners of the United States, as well as under served communities in Africa. The company has come under scrutiny in recent years for selling data about Google users to various third parties. If Google is working directly in tandem with home automation experts, what does this mean about the precision of the data that theyll have about our day-to-day lives? The fear is that Google will now have a direct window into our homes Its disconcerting also because of how rapidly the technology field is advancing. For instance, the latest iteration of the Brinkshome automation system enables homeowners to control some of the central functions of their home from a smart device app; it has basically converted smart phones into compact, universal remote controls which can do everything from adjusting lighting and heating to setting up locks and receiving surveillance video feeds. You recall reading about the telescreens in George Orwells 1984? Here we are, twenty years behind schedule. Home automation does have its supporters, however. Some claim that it could help reduce energy consumption if homeowners have constant and precise control over what appliances are running in their house. Critics contend that home automation leaves homeowners much more vulnerable to home invasions. For instance, if you are capable of locking and unlocking doors, and turning on and off lights and security equipment with the phone itself, consider for a moment what youre leaving yourself vulnerable to. All a burglar needs to do is gain access to your IP, and then they can control everything just as easily. There is greater emphasis being placed on instant gratification and convenience with every passing year. The key today is remaining attentive as a consumer. Remember: if it sounds too good to be true, theres a good chance that it is, and convenience should not come at the expense of basic security. Related selfnews Post Articles: 