I remember the days when I used to be smarter than my appliances. Now, shopping for new appliances has become overwhelming with options like a fridge with wifi, an instant pot with connectivity, and an oven that needs bluetooth. Do my appliances really need to communicate with my phone? How many apps do I need to keep track of?
While smart devices have their uses for safety, health, and finances, there’s a limit for me (like a smart toothbrush). A fridge should just keep my food from spoiling and an instant pot should just cook the food. I don’t want to rely on apps or have my data harvested by manufacturers.
And don’t get me started on cars with dashboards that look like fighter jet controls. I prefer a simple button over a touchscreen that distracts me from driving.
Manufacturers, please bring back dumb appliances and cars!
YOUR TURN
What smart appliances do you think are overkill? How do you feel about the rise of “smart” devices and appliances? Share your tech frustrations in the comments!
Virge Randall is Senior Planet’s Managing Editor. She is also a freelance culture reporter who uncovers hidden gems for Straus Newspapers. Send Open Thread suggestions to editor@seniorplanet.org.
