Many people have complex relationship with connected devices. I do not. Using these devices, and in many cases, seeing the positives and negatives at the same time, comes extremely easily.

Of late, I’m looking at the space of AI devices. The Humane AiPin I called “a secretary” because of the way that I could manipulate audio responses and multiple notes to give me insight about topics and researching or people I am coming to converse with. The Brilliant Labs Frame glasses give a lens into an evolution of the open source software movement… You’ve got open source hardware, and both development and user experience augmented with large language models. Even the AirPod Pro on my ears points to being connected while also tuning down the world noise so that one can create a space that’s audibly comfortable.

I’m learning from the amazing researchers and activists about the dangers of these technologies and their policies. The implications of their continued use will very much cause voices, communities, and more to be upended. Those who have been yelling (and quieted) about these attractive handcuffs aren’t going anywhere - and they are not wrong either. Your work isn’t so important to use these tools that you should forget this… what might be sci-fi fantasy come to life for you, might be apocalyptic dystopia for another. You cannot hold these devices as holy without also understanding the propane methods that were used to put them in this place.

All of this is OK. And all of this is not what you usually hear regarding these connected devices and their resulting behaviors. I’m not telling you to use them or to not use them. I’m not saying that some items are worth an investment more than others. Be curious. And let that curiosity show you both the good and the bad. And then, build a future that humanity can be proud of… Don’t just make things easier for the moment.