Internet of Things (IoT) applications can help you save energy, improve your health and make your life more comfortable. Yet only 44.7% of Dutch adults actually use them, and most people who do only use a single device. This means that the IoT’s full potential is far from being reached. Activity trackers, heart rate monitors, sports watches and smart thermostats are the most popular devices. Users of the IoT are moderately positive about its advantages. This is the outcome of research among 1,356 respondents carried out by the University of Twente.
The results show that most IoT users are found among young people, graduates and higher income groups. “This gives some cause for concern,” says research leader Alexander van Deursen, “since health problems are more common among older people and lower income groups. And of course, relatively speaking, people in lower income groups also have more to gain from lower energy costs.” As Dr Van Deursen points out, the fact that higher income groups are more likely to benefit from IoT applications that promote health and save energy suggests that the IoT may – inadvertently – increase inequality in society. “Since users of the IoT are more positive than non-users, they will be more likely to use multiple devices, while non-users have yet to be convinced of the value of purchasing any IoT device at all. Among the latter group, disinterest is the biggest hurdle.”
Privacy
In addition to high costs and disinterest, privacy concerns are a major reason for not using the IoT. “And with good reason,” Dr Van Deursen continues. “Breaches of privacy are bound to be a concern when communication between devices and/or users takes place automatically and behind the scenes.” A large proportion of non-users indicate that they do not entrust their data to companies or the government. “Manufacturers should be more open about the devices and systems they develop, and will have to clearly specify the choices open to consumers where data collection and processing are concerned.”
Skills
Lack of skills is another factor, with 40% of non-users giving this as a reason for not using the IoT. “A valid point, because even though IoT devices take decisions autonomously, skills are very important in order to grasp the vast volume of complex data that is being collected. Operating more traditional technology requires a fully aware user, while the IoT is characterized by relatively passive users who are unaware of exactly what is going on behind the scenes. Nevertheless, users should stop to consider what type of data is being collected, the analyses required and who has access to the data. This calls for strategic skills.”
An unknown quantity
Non-users indicate that saving energy would be their biggest motivation to start using the IoT in the future. Even so, only 28.3% say this is something they actually want to do. This begs the question of whether those who say they have no intention of using the IoT are even aware of the benefits it offers. After all, how can you fall in love with an unknown quantity?
The research project was led by communication scientist Alexander van Deursen. The report is available on the www.anythingforanyone.nl website.
