Many cities have taken up the concept of making it 'smart.' Many countries are taking the initiative of developing the infrastructure of cities that can compete with the developed nations of the world. Well, technologically people have also advanced, and with the change in times, governments and private sectors are joining hands in implementing the modern technologies in their daily lifestyles and activities. However, there are many questions in the minds of people regarding smart cities: how they would ease the burden, how they will affect nature, etc. So, without wasting any more time, let's talk about the advantages and disadvantages of smart cities:
To start with, let's talk first about the advantages of a smart city:
Enhanced Transportation and Commute - Smart city comes with a lot of blessings and advantages. It carries the potential of developing and enhancing a city's existing transport facility. It can also improve the management of traffic and also improves the ability to track public transit. On the other hand, it can provide citizens of the city with all-around information at budget-friendly prices.
Enhanced Communication - A smart city will have the most advanced technological infrastructure. Therefore, it will result in fewer crimes. Companies in the private sector are tirelessly working to make communication safer for the citizens in a smart city. There are some examples that can make you understand this aspect better: such as number plate recognition of vehicles, better emergency services, camera monitoring of shops, and much more.
Public Services - The people living in a smart city will have many benefits in their daily life that will start right from their homes. The technologies incorporated in a smart city led to less water wastage, less electricity consumption, and lesser usage of natural resources. As people are now more conscious about nature than ever, smart cities are being made in a way that doesn't hurt the already limited sources of nature anymore.
Less environmental Footprint - The concept of 'smart city' heavily focuses on all the environmental threats that it may possess. Therefore, the buildings in a smart city are made in a way to make the air quality improvement and also promote the usage of renewable energy, and reduce the usage and dependence on non-renewable energy resources. Hence, it slows down the ecological impact of people on the environment.
Enhanced Digital Infrastructure - The internet is necessary for today's generation and remains a vital part of a smart city's plan. In a smart city, apart from having access to high-speed internet services in their homes, people will also have access to public and local Wi-Fi. The ultra-affordable nature of the cost of the internet plans lets every citizen in the city consume the internet according to their requirements.
Economical Boost - There are many potential investors who don't think twice while investing in a smart city. Due to its convenient nature, new investors will invest more, and it will result in a strong economy. With the right plan and right information, a potential business can flourish with the right moves and contribute to the overall economy of the city and the country.
Top-Notch Infrastructure - Modern technologies implemented while planning a smart city can help indicate if a bridge, road, building, or even a highway is at risk or not. The technologies will not only assist in making a strong and improved infrastructure but will also help identify if there is any incoming failure. This will lead to the healthy maintenance of old and existing infrastructure.
Better Job Opportunities - Smart cities will always carry the nature of attracting investors. Hence, there will also be a rise in startups and businesses. This will lead to more employment, resulting in more job opportunities.
Less Crime - Installation of CCTV cameras and continuous monitoring of public engagements and dealings between them will give the security departments and police a better view. Moreover, crimes are always related to job opportunities. And, as has been discussed in the above-mentioned point, Smart cities will always produce more jobs. Hence, there has to be less crime in a smart city.
Now that you know about all the major advantages, let's talk about some of the disadvantages that smart cities can bring to human lives:
Less Privacy - While there will be an immense advancement in monitoring people in public and open spaces, privacy is a concern that must be kept in mind while living in a smart city. Intelligent and advanced monitoring systems with security cameras almost everywhere will throw away the concept of privacy and personal space into the air.
Social Control - Agencies and bodies which will be in charge of tracking and capturing the data collected from security cameras will have an edge over others. Be it the government itself or even a private agency, they will have the power to control public data and can also manipulate them according to their needs.
Blind Trust on Network - The connected and always secured nature of a Smart city will always be there with a citizen living there. However, excessive trust in the network will decrease the decision-making among people and gradually make them incompetent. They would not be able to react and make a decision by themselves when these tools become unusable or if they are in a place where technology is not that developed.
Pre-Commercial Process - Although smart cities will never suffer from cash influx, most of the technologies will be in their pre-commercial stages. Hence, smart cities will face a shortage of skills and capacity related to technology.
Trained Humans - Living a life is a natural habit that humans adapt right from birth. Well, being a fan of Smart cities and not being aware of new technological advancements will not help you in this case. You may have to undergo training to utilize all the technologies and the features installed in a Smart city.
