Issues and Challenges of IoT

     We cannot deny that IoT has been a significant part of our lives as it automates tasks that lead to increased efficiency and productivity. However, despite being useful, IoT also brings different issues and challenges not just to our society but also to our environment. According to Li et al. (2020), the development utilizes limited resources, leaving behind different environmental footprints, especially different kinds of pollutants (Zeinalnezhad et al., 2020). The prevalence of IoT greatly impacted the way people live.

    The article indicates that IoT technologies have made increased use of limited resources or raw materials, which in some cases have become rare or are already rare. The IoT devices make use of several electronic components such as sensors, microcontrollers, communication modules, and batteries. The production of these components has raised a demand for raw materials such as rare earth elements, silicon, lithium, and other metals. The increase in production volume has been one of the issues as well because it presents several challenges, including resource depletion, environmental impact, supply chain vulnerabilities, security concerns, and economic and social implications. The other problem the Internet of Things brings with it is increased electronic waste because many of these IoT devices have very short lifespans and must be discarded and replaced at frequent intervals. E-waste is dangerous since it contains harmful substances that can leak into the environment, affecting human health and the ecosystems. Health hazards related to improper handling and disposal of e-waste are high among the population and communities. Communities around e-waste processing sites are exposed to toxic substances through contaminated air, water, and soil. The long-term health effects of harmful pollutants can lead to cancer and developmental problems. The global nature of the e-waste trade means that these health risks are not confined to specific regions but can affect people worldwide. In addition, the IoT can also lead to social impacts because of the decreased need for labor and limited direct social contacts, which is essential and an important aspect for every human being. IoT automation can lead to job displacement in some sectors. For example, IoT-driven automated manufacturing processes can decrease the need for manual labor, and it may lead to job losses for factory workers. The Internet of Things (IoT) is an important factor in the labor market, bringing along with-it opportunities and challenges. On one hand, IoT can lead to job displacement through increased automation. On the other hand, it creates new roles and demands for skills related to IoT technology.  

    These issues show that without proper discipline, IoT technologies can bring harm to our environment. As part of today's generation, I can say that I am blessed to have a convenient way of living, but I cannot also deny that some of the things invented today can harmfully impact our environment and society if they are not used and disposed properly. By addressing these challenges through collaborative efforts, we can build a more safe, effective, and inclusive future where the positive effects of IoT are widely distributed, and its negative impacts are reduced.

 

 

REFERENCES:

Zheng C., Yuan J., Zhu L., Zhang Y., Shao Q. From digital to sustainable: a scientometric review of smart city literature between 1990 and 2019. J. Clean. Prod. 2019;258 Article number 120689

Li J., Feng S., Luo T., Guan Z. What drives the adoption of sustainable production technology? Evidence from the large-scale farming sector in East China. J. Clean. Prod. 2020;257 Article number 120611