The world of technology is changing rapidly, and with it, the world in which we live in. Once upon a time the world functioned without the internet but now we cannot imagine a day without it. It is as much needed as is air and water to survive.
As governments and cities aspire to become smarter, their dependency on Internet of Things (IoT) increases and it is now considered the magic that is making these aspirations turn into reality.
While it used to be all about fusion of computers; IoT is all about connecting of things. Considering that, just imagine to what level technology has advanced in today’s society. Initially, it made computers communicate with each other, now it will make all sorts of things talk to each other. As things start communicating with one another, be it your watch or your shoe or your spectacles, you will receive all kinds of alerts, warnings and notifications. As a result, you will be inundated with a plethora of information.
The real question is: Do we really need such intelligence? While many may argue yes simply because of apparent benefits like convenience, faster decisions and opportunities, the remaining few will say it isn’t required because it cripples a person’s thinking ability and makes him or her more self-centred.
In addition, it could also push people towards isolation. Families have started to disrupt as every member within the family has drifted away into his or her own digital world. It’s a frightening thought but it’s a distinct possibility. People communicate more through their devices today than what they do with their tongues. The art of conversation is already dying and with IoT emerging as the next big thing, it may meet with a swift end.
— The reader is an Indian banker based in Dubai
