Is there such a thing as too much technology?

Published en El Pais, May 14th 2019.

As time goes on we are discovering new ways to make normal everyday objects and creating high tech versions of them. From fridges to watches we have certainly come a long way. One interesting object that has been invented is the smart lock. With this lock physical keys are no longer necessary as you can unlock it with your phone. You can even text temporary keys to your guests. Phone died? No problem as you can use the number pad to enter a code for entry.

I personally would welcome the idea of a high-tech lock on my door, but I can understand if this is not for everyone. Which it is why I found it unsurprising that the city of New York has decided that a lock requiring a physical key is a basic tenant right and landlords must have a basic lock installed on the building’s front door. This comes after 5 tenants sued their landlord to take the lock down arguing privacy concerns and difficulty of use for their senior tenants who do not use a smartphone. This leads me to wonder when technology has simply gone too far?

Technology is great but for those who are not so “tech savy” it can be problematic, especially if is an object that is part of your every day life such as a lock or a fridge. Nobody should struggle to get into their own front door. This is not the same thing as getting an iPad for your Mom where if she gives up trying to learn it she could put it on her bookshelf. This can be a real problem as their lives are flipped upside down (also who do you think is going to have to go and unlock your mother’s door at night when she is locked out?).

These new tech upgrades can be great, but only get them for yourself, not for your family members or businesses. I look forward to when I can get my hands on my own high-tech lock, but do not expect, or fear, about getting one as a gift from me.