The concept of a “smart home” that is supported by our “smart devices” has been quickly gaining popularity. Technology is allowing us to automate many processes in the home. People are now able to link many appliances such as security systems, lighting, and even ovens and sinks. Virtual assistants such as Alexa make it possible to perform certain household functions with nothing but a verbal command.

What short term and long term impacts will this technology have on domestic life? What are the benefits of this type of technology? What are the dangers or drawbacks? What can we learn from history? Is this technology overall beneficial or harmful to families and society as a whole? Be sure to address all parts of the question and take a side on the issue and support your argument.

If you make arguments about privacy, please consider carefully what you mean by privacy. What legal right to privacy do we have? If you are arguing on the basis of a broader definition of privacy, explain it carefully.

Possible Resources:

• https://www.expressnews.com/business/article/Internet-of-Things-The-benefits-and-hazards-of-14454942.php

• https://www.theperspective.com/debates/businessandtechnology/smart-homes-smart-idea/
  

• https://homeguides.sfgate.com/advantages-smart-house-8670.html

• https://www.amfam.com/resources/articles/at-home/six-benefits-of-smart-home-technology

• https://www.pcmag.com/news/366783/privacy-tops-list-of-consumer-smart-home-concerns
  

• https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbestechcouncil/2018/01/23/13-factors-to-consider-with-smart-home-products/#5b9fda44306a

• https://www.nytimes.com/2019/01/22/business/smart-home-buyers-security-risks.html

• https://www.technology.org/2018/06/06/3-risks-of-smart-home-technology-how-you-can-stay-safe/

• https://www.npr.org/2018/12/02/672339610/is-your-holiday-gift-spying-on-you-a-guide-rates-the-security-of-smart-devices
  
• https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Martina_Ziefle/publication/221027834_Medical_Technology_in_Smart_Homes_Exploring_the_User%27s_Perspective_on_Privacy_Intimacy_and_Trust/links/0912f5104e037bb0dd000000.pdf
• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0040162518300696
• https://www.key4biz.it/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/cscw102-lau-1.pdf
• https://www.vox.com/recode/2019/5/13/18547235/trust-smart-devices-privacy-security