In a significant shift for the Internet of Things (IoT) and technology journalism, Stacey Higginbotham, a prominent voice and respected analyst in the field, has announced her departure from producing her weekly IoT newsletter and podcast. The final installment of her newsletter, originally published on August 18, 2023, marked the end of an era for many followers who have relied on her insights since 2016. While stepping back from regular content creation, Higginbotham indicated that this is not a definitive goodbye, stating she will continue to share her thoughts on platforms like Bluesky and may issue occasional newsletters on topics that strongly resonate with her.
Higginbotham’s decision comes after more than two decades dedicated to covering technology and its evolving landscape. She established her independent platform in 2016, following a distinguished tenure as senior editor at Fortune, a decision that at the time raised questions about leaving a well-established publication for a self-driven venture. Her stated motivation was a desire to delve deeply into the complex issues arising from the ubiquitous integration of computing into everyday objects and systems, encompassing both technological advancements and their societal ramifications.
"Most of y’all know that I am stepping back from producing the weekly Internet of Things podcast, and that I’m also stepping back from creating this newsletter focused on the internet of things," Higginbotham wrote in her farewell message. "But it is not a true goodbye. I will keep posting on Bluesky and will likely send out the occasional newsletter when I feel strongly about something."
She expressed profound gratitude to her readership and podcast listeners, acknowledging their role in the sustainability of her work. "I started this business in 2016 after leaving my role as senior editor at Fortune, and many people questioned my decision to leave an established publication to create my own," she recalled. "But I wanted to really dig into the issues that would arise when we added computing to everything, be it technological or social. Thousands of y’all joined me, and without you and our sponsors I would never have been able to make this work. I am exceedingly lucky to have been able to do this, and it’s all thanks to you giving me your time and your stories. I am truly grateful."
A Legacy of Deep-Dive Journalism in the IoT Space
Higginbotham’s career has been marked by a commitment to dissecting the multifaceted implications of connected technologies. Her journey into the IoT space began in earnest around 2012, when the smart home market started gaining traction. Even then, she recognized the inherent complexities that these devices introduced into consumers’ lives, alongside the burgeoning concerns about privacy and potential surveillance by both governments and corporations.
Her analysis consistently highlighted the often-problematic business models underpinning connected devices, which frequently oscillated between costly subscription fees and aggressive data harvesting practices. This critical perspective extended beyond the home, encompassing the increasing use of technology in workplaces for employee monitoring and performance optimization, often at the expense of worker well-being and primarily driven by profit motives.
"Like I said, this isn’t necessarily goodbye," Higginbotham continued in her announcement. "You may find a blog post or two from me over at the Consumer Reports Innovation Lab, and it’s possible I’ll freelance for other publications in the near future. But ultimately I’m trying to take a break from the life of a journalist after more than two decades spent focused on daily and immediate news, with only a bit of time to dig into the bigger picture and long-term implications of the products and innovations I so relentlessly tout."
Examining the Broader Impact of Connected Technologies
Higginbotham’s reflections underscore a growing sentiment within the technology discourse: the tension between innovation and its unintended consequences. The rise of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, while laudable in intent, has also drawn scrutiny. Higginbotham noted that while corporations are investing in technology for carbon reduction and efficiency, these efforts can sometimes be perceived as superficial attempts to "greenwash" practices that may not fundamentally address systemic issues, or worse, are implemented without a genuine commitment to sustainability.
This nuanced view stems from a deep engagement with the technology sector. Higginbotham stated, "I love technology. And I fundamentally believe that people who are trying to solve problems with new technological innovations can make a difference. But I’m burned out, and increasingly cynical when it comes to new startups or research. That prevents me from getting excited about the truly good ideas out there."
This candid admission reflects a common challenge faced by seasoned observers of rapidly evolving industries. The relentless pace of innovation, coupled with recurring ethical and practical concerns, can lead to a sense of fatigue, even among those who are passionate about the potential of technology.
The Future of Higginbotham’s Work and the IoT Landscape
Higginbotham’s decision to step back is framed as a necessary pause to regain enthusiasm and perspective. "So I’m stepping back," she explained. "With a little bit of a break, maybe I’ll get excited about technology and human ingenuity again. Maybe I’ll see stories that I cannot wait to explain and share with everyone."
During this period of respite, Higginbotham plans to engage in personal projects and will be taking on a consulting role with Consumer Reports’ Innovation Lab. This role will specifically focus on the critical areas of cybersecurity and privacy concerning connected devices, a domain where her expertise is particularly valuable.
"In the meantime, I’m working on a few personal projects, including taking on a consulting role with Consumer Reports’ Innovation Lab to focus on cybersecurity and privacy issues associated with connected devices," she confirmed.
This continued involvement with Consumer Reports signals a commitment to addressing the pressing challenges within the IoT ecosystem. The organization has a long-standing history of advocating for consumer rights and safety, and Higginbotham’s expertise will undoubtedly contribute to their ongoing efforts.
Continued Engagement and a Call for Collaboration
Despite stepping away from her regular publishing schedule, Higginbotham emphasized her continued interest in hearing from her audience and engaging with the community. She remains eager to learn about individuals’ experiences with connected devices and is keen to collaborate on initiatives that promote enhanced safety, security, and overall well-being for users.
"So I will still be eager to hear from y’all about your experiences, and will be reaching out to many of you to talk about how we can make connected devices safer, more secure, and better for everyone," she stated. "Please keep in touch by emailing me at [email protected]."
This open invitation for dialogue and collaboration underscores Higginbotham’s dedication to the principles of responsible technology development and deployment. Her contributions to the IoT discourse have been invaluable, fostering a deeper understanding of the technology’s potential and its inherent risks. As she embarks on this new chapter, the technology community will undoubtedly look forward to her future insights and continued engagement in shaping a more secure and user-centric connected future.
The broader implications of Higginbotham’s departure resonate within the tech journalism landscape. In an era where complex technological narratives require nuanced and dedicated reporting, the shift of experienced journalists to independent platforms or specialized roles highlights both the challenges and opportunities in covering the fast-paced world of innovation. Her work has consistently provided a critical lens through which to view the promises and pitfalls of IoT, contributing to a more informed public discourse. The ongoing evolution of connected devices, from smart homes to industrial IoT and the burgeoning Internet of Medical Things (IoMT), continues to present a complex web of technological, ethical, and societal questions that require the kind of thoughtful analysis Higginbotham has consistently provided. Her continued, albeit modified, presence in the field suggests that her influence and contributions will persist.
