WHY IoT MATTERS: A Reflection

    

    Today, I found myself reflecting on the Internet of Things and how it would change our daily lives fundamentally. It is quite astonishing at how interconnected our devices now are, making the mundane smarter and more efficient. I remember when I first began to notice these changes—a smart thermostat changing the temperature when I left, or my watch nudging me to get moving because I had been sitting for too long. It was a bit of science fiction and a bit overwhelming at first, but now I see it as something very convenient and wonderful. They have allowed me to take care of myself better and stay on top of my health in ways that I hadn't thought of before.

    I recently enjoyed a TEDx talk given by Benson Hougland. He shared a good story about his wearable armband, which monitors some of his vital signs while he sleeps. If it perceives something alarming, it can then take immediate action: "Turns out the sensors in my armband sense something's very wrong.". My heart rate was increasing, my breathing had become erratic, and instead of this time gently waking me, it vibrated aggressively to get my attention." This vivid depiction brought home the reality of how IoT can literally change lives. What struck me most was how this device not only wakes Hougland but also communicates with his medical provider, transmitting vital data for evaluation. “All of my vital signs have been recorded and electronically transmitted to my medical provider,” he explains. This kind of responsiveness and real-time communication could be lifesaving. The conclusion of his story was so powerful: “The good news is later that morning the doctor comes and says you’re going to be fine. You were suffering a heart attack, and we avoided any major damage because you got the treatment you needed in just the nick of time.” This example illustrates the transformative potential of IoT in healthcare, which makes me hopeful about the future of medical technology.

    Well, while I get excited to enjoy such innovations, I always have some concerns too. With every gadget I put on the Internet, little pieces of my privacy move down the drain. The access of my personal data at any corporation's end and worse that of hackers worries me about it. Am I surrendering convenience for security? There is a duality where there is a dilemma in progressing myself throughout. In all, IoT is a very great advancement in technology. However, it requires an equal and balanced approach not to lose sight of our essential values—privacy, security, and human connection. To me, it is a reminder to handle the tools with thoughtfulness, especially since I enjoy the convenience of such tools, but must stay awake to the implications of its usage. We look at these technologies evolving in the present while looking out on the balance we must achieve. So much promise for the future is now very much dependent on our ability to do so within this new landscape.