The "Internet of Things" Leads to Personal Accountability

Jesse Schell is an Asst. Professor of Entertainment Technology at Carnegie Mellon (now that's a job!). Below is video of a presentation I was linked to through TED Talks that expands on what happens when there is an "Internet of Things". If you don't want to watch the whole 10-minute video (though I encourage it), just watch from 8:50 to the end...it encapsulates where I think the ability to track and measure everything will really impact society.

Schell hypothesizes that once everything is connected and trackable, everything will seem like a game and be presented as such. This will increase consumers' desire to interact with products, which will be beneficial to corporations tracking one's habits for marketing purposes. Points for brushing your teeth. Points for piano practice. Points for eating a healthy cereal...where you can play a game against your friend who is also eating that cereal because your cereal boxes are Wi-Fi enabled and you're chatting with them on facebook.

The part that I find fascinating is the last 1:45 (or so) where Schell talks about the greater impact this will have. He asks, once your grandchildren are able to see what you have read throughout your life on your Kindle (or, if you're Scott Lowe, your iPad), do you think you'll read better books? As your entire life is tracked, won't you lead a better, more impactful life?

I believe that as your car insurance company is able to track your actual driving habits, which impact your insurance rates, you'll be a safer driver. I believe that as your health insurance company is able to track your eating and exercise habits, you'll live a healthier life. I believe that as a television is able to track who is watching what and for how long, my son will not sit in front of the TV watching bad MTV shows like I did as a teenager (except MTV Sports...that was awesome!).

The "Internet of Things" will improve efficiencies in industry, but it can also enable people to lead better lives. Accountability forces people to take a greater responsibility for their actions. Also, it can inspire us to greater things.