Home Monitoring Technology

The technology productivity paradox is a theory that says with increased technological development, our productivity advances at a slower rate. Rationalizations of this concept have a broad base of argument.

In a more sociological sense, it could also be considered that a paradoxical effect of technological prosperity is that we, armed with greater access to information, will become so burdened by it that we experience a deterioration in our quality of life. Its a slippery slope.

I saw an article today that summarized an assortment of home monitoring services that can be accessed (some very inexpensively!) from computers, cell phones and even blackberries. You can watch streaming video of your front porch, receive text messages if a door or window is opened, or get a daily email summary tracking movement of people in your home while you are away.

I can see the appeal of all of these, but I wonder what it must be like to go on vacation and be constantly aware of a device in your pocket that could go off at any time without warning to alert you that the gardener accidentally ran over a sprinkler head. Is it worth it?

We have alarms, and alarm servicing companies. The whole point is for them to filter the alerts and decide if its a problem worth interrupting your nap on the beach over. The neighbors are there to watch the dog, and pick up the mail. Do you really need to confirm that it gets done from across the country?

I see the value of 'piece of mind'. But I wonder what the point is of trying to get away if you are going to rely on the constant engagement of technology and to be plugged in all the time. Remember 10 years ago before everyone had a cell phone? Every time I fly somewhere, it cracks me up when the plane lands and half of the passengers start checking voice mail and making calls. What did they do before? Did they run to the pay phone by the baggage terminal, or did they just relax a bit and plug back in when they got home or to the office?

I don't know. Love the concept and appreciate the technology, but tough to find the right balance here between 'peace of mind' and getting away to actually 'get away'...