I’ll admit it: I’ve been a sucker for smart home gadgets since the first time I told a speaker to play my favorite playlist and it actually did. Fast-forward to 2025, and the market is packed with shiny devices that promise to make our homes smarter, safer, and more convenient. But here’s the truth: not every “smart” device is smart for you.

Technology is one of my favorite things and also one of my biggest stressors. It connects me to family, lets me work anywhere, and even entertains me endlessly. But I’ve also felt the flip side—those moments when another ping or buzz makes my chest tighten. That’s tech anxiety, and it’s more common than most people admit.

Let me be real for a second: I’ve lost count of how many nights I’ve stayed up scrolling, convincing myself “just one more video”—only to feel groggy, scattered, and a little foggy-brained the next morning. If you’ve ever wondered whether all that tapping, swiping, and refreshing might be wearing on your mind, you’re not alone. Technology is incredible—I’d be lost without my phone alarms, note-taking apps, and FaceTime calls with family. But even I’ve caught myself asking: is this constant connectivity actually aging my brain?

The notion of artificial intelligence (AI) may conjure images of advanced robots and science fiction movies. However, AI isn't just reserved for the tech elite or film scripts anymore. It’s on your smartphone, in your smart home devices, and even at your neighborhood coffee shop. Welcome to the era of democratized AI, where sophisticated technology integrates seamlessly into our everyday life.

Here’s the moment that sold me on the future of driving: I slid into the passenger seat of a friend’s new electric car, and halfway down the freeway, I realized… no one was touching the wheel. My coffee didn’t spill, the ride was smooth, and I wasn’t bracing for a sudden lane change. I was watching technology do its thing—and doing it well.

A few years back, I would have laughed if you told me my Netflix binges and photo backups could be harming the planet. I mean, I wasn’t driving an SUV through the Amazon — I was sitting on my couch! But the more I learned about the hidden environmental cost of our tech habits, the more I realized that “digital” doesn’t mean “impact-free.”

The more connected we get, the more exposed we become—and let’s be real, it’s kind of creepy. Between targeted ads that know you’ve been craving sushi and smart speakers that catch side conversations, protecting your privacy in the age of AI can feel like an uphill battle.

Navigating the digital landscape of today's world can feel like simultaneously treading water and steering a spaceship. With the accelerating pace of technology, how do we maintain our mental health amidst constant notifications, screen time, and the incessant buzz of connectivity? I remember not too long ago, I found myself overwhelmed by digital stress, evident in the sleep-deprived bags under my eyes and the anxiety that knotted my stomach each time my phone vibrated.

I’ll be the first to admit it—I had a problem. My day started with a “quick” email check that spiraled into hours glued to my phone. Notifications owned me, dragging me from task to task like a puppet on strings. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Digital overwhelm is real, but I’ve found that with the right boundaries, we can take back control. And I’m here to help you do the same.