The Slightly Terrifying Life of Smart Devices: The Human Survival Guide to AI, Algorithms, and the Internet That Knows Too Much

Synopsis

Are your smart devices starting to feel a little… too smart? Does your phone somehow know you want pizza before you do? Does your streaming service recommend movies with unsettling accuracy? And why does your smart speaker occasionally wake up in the middle of a conversation no one invited it to? Welcome to life in the age of "intelligent technology"! In The Slightly Terrifying Life of Smart Devices: The Human Survival Guide to AI, Algorithms, and the Internet That Knows Too Much, cybersecurity expert Missy Callari takes readers on a funny, eye-opening journey through the strange new reality where algorithms shape our feeds, apps anticipate our decisions, and even household appliances are quietly collecting data. This isn’t a dry technical manual filled with jargon. It’s a real-world survival guide for normal humans living in a world run by code. With humor, relatable everyday examples, and practical advice you can actually use, Callari breaks down how artificial intelligence and algorithms influence everything from what you see online to how companies track your behavior—and sometimes predict it. Along the way, she introduces the cast of characters that populate our digital lives: overly helpful voice assistants, suspiciously attentive apps, passive-aggressive fitness trackers, and refrigerators that might be just one software update away from judging your snack choices. More importantly, the book helps readers understand how to stay in control of their technology instead of letting technology quietly take control of them. Inside you'll learn how to: -Understand what AI and algorithms are really doing behind the scenes -Recognize when technology is helping you—and when it’s exploiting your data -Protect your digital identity and personal privacy -Navigate smart devices, apps, and online platforms more safely -Develop a healthy skepticism toward technology without becoming a paranoid hermit Part humorous exploration, part practical handbook, The Slightly Terrifying Life of Smart Devices helps readers make sense of the invisible systems shaping modern life—and shows how to live comfortably, confidently, and securely in a world where the internet often seems to know a little too much. After all, your technology should work for you… not quietly take notes on everything you do.