the internet of well-being

If you view the Internet of Things with the lens of Convenience, as everyone often does, you arrive at a certain set of solutions, some of it useful (ordering detergent, a voice guiding you through the instructions as you attempt making that chocolate fudge cake, while helping you order that ingredient you’ve missed buying), and some of it expensive, over engineered  solutions to problems that barely even exist (https://gizmodo.com/15-idiotic-internet-of-things-devices-nobody-asked-for-1794330999)

What if you stepped out of the singular lens of convenience and started viewing the Internet of things with the lens of Wellness instead? To promote wellbeing? To ensure that people’s time is spent well, and meaningfully?

How about mirrors that shows us the human acts of kindness instead of only all the negative news that surrounds us? 

A positivity tracker – that listens to conversations both written and verbal – and helps replace negative, racist, sexist, hateful words with positive, uplifting and compassionate and humane words? 

Trackers that record your acts of courage – that can sense the fear you face – and the action you still take, overcoming your fears? And that reward you for everyday acts of courage. 

For patients with depression, recording the fact you’ve gotten off your bed and stepped out for a walk – and reducing the medication needed, accordingly?

And my favorite, instead of always shortening the path to purchase, a tracker that works as a delayer of purchase on certain non-essential items, encouraging people to pause and consider whether they need the item at all, discouraging mindless consumption? 

Apps that turn off all screens once a certain time has elapsed to ensure an automatic and regular digital detox? That doesn’t allow you to look at social media or any video while taking the stairs or while crossing the road? Or when you are having a conversation with a real person? Connected devices that ensure that you have pauses built in through the day for deep breaths and noticing the world around you? 

For inspiration, the IOT should delve into the world of Positive Psychology. Positive Psychology is "the scientific study of what makes life most worth living”, or "the scientific study of positive human functioning and flourishing on multiple levels that include the biological, personal, relational, institutional, cultural, and global dimensions of life”. Positive psychology is concerned wit "the good life", reflection about what holds the greatest value in life – the factors that contribute the most to a well-lived and fulfilling life. It was a reaction against focusing on negative states and mental illnesses, maladaptive behavior & encourage focusing on building strengths, moving people not just from a  -4  to 0 but from +6 to + 12, and from + 12 to + 16, in other words, increased states of positivity & wellbeing.

The time has come for the Internet of Things to take a leaf from the book of Positive Psychology & focus not just on eliminating ‘inconveniences’ but elevating people’s state of wellbeing. And for technology, to aid us in becoming the most humane and uplifted versions of ourselves.