Smart condo conundrum: Talk to appliances, or text them?

I will probably avoid them. The CIA has actually admitted using these devices to spy on Americans. Not sure if this occurs in other countries or not.

https://www.wired.com/2012/03/petraeus-tv-remote/

These types of devices and social networks such as Facebook leaves the intelligence community salivating to determine new ways to exploit these devices.

It seems younger people are being "trained" to accept this type of surveillance as part of normal life, however older folks like me have a tough time with it.

The Luddites were right all along. The day my kettle starts telling me to remember my umbrella is the day I end it all.

Like the new Beauty and the Beast movie, your appliances are alive! lol

What should a prankster do? Turn up someone's heat in summer and turn on the AC in winter. Shutdown down the fridge, etc.