Beyond Convenience: A Historical Perspective on Technology Adoption Within the Home

Technological advancements, from electricity to the internet, have continuously reshaped the domestic landscape. While offering convenience and a sense of progress, the history of technology adoption within the home reveals a complex narrative. The integration of technologies like televisions, personal computers, and appliances presented challenges. Concerns regarding unequal access, and the impact on family dynamics emerged. Additionally, privacy concerns became prominent with interconnected devices. This paper summarises the emergence of smart home theory and technology alongside these historical challenges, examining how past trends in technology adoption within the home can inform our understanding of the impacts of new technologies. The research employs a literature review approach, summarising existing scholarly works on the history of technology adoption within the domestic sphere. By drawing upon historical insights, it can highlight potential issues associated with smart home technologies for future research. This, in turn, can lead to a more thoughtful and responsible integration, fostering a positive impact on family life and the overall domestic environment.