It is no new information that the Internet of Things refers to the vast network of physical objects that can connect to the internet and gather and share data. Everyday “things” gain the ability to communicate data as they collect it in real time, birthing the abundant uses of smart devices in our homes—from light bulbs and doorbells to refrigerators and alarm systems.
Every succeeding year has boasted of innovations that have increased its applications in daily life. Humans can even easily manage these devices and enjoy the conveniences they offer remotely with the help of their smartphones.
While IoT refers to this network of smart devices, the Internet of Behaviors analyzes the collected information using principles in behavioral psychology. Businesses can benefit greatly from this evolution by better understanding, predicting, and even guiding consumer behavior to generate more sales.
Smartphones as an Important Tool in IoB
Although smartphones are not considered IoT devices, they perform vital functions in managing IoT stuff. Our mobile devices allow us to manipulate smart devices to keep performing desired functions and are also a great source of information.
Since smartphones are devices that humans also directly interact with for information exchange, they supply relevant data to businesses that can tailor their marketing strategies to every customer’s needs and preferences.
Since smartphones are essential today for IoB to continue examining data and learning from them, businesses need to also ensure that they remain supported. Now is a good time to check on smartphone battery replacement and lighting franchise expenses to support the smooth use of IoB.
Applications of IoB
There are already many practical applications of IoB that we use today. These are some of its most popular and effective uses. Studying these cases can help you better apply IoB in your business practices.
1. Video Streaming Platforms
The apps consumers use to watch their favorite movies and TV shows regularly analyze viewing patterns to determine what films and series they are more likely to enjoy watching.
This may be most apparent on streaming platform Netflix, which uses viewer behavior to classify shows according to preferred genres. The app also calculates how much a show fits your tastes by providing a match percentage based on viewing history and likes and dislikes.
Another widely used streaming platform, YouTube, works similarly. Behavioral analytics allows them to choose which suggested videos to show on your user homepage and related videos that appear after you watch a video.
2. E-commerce Platforms
Similarly, various shopping websites and apps collect data from your browsing history and previous purchases to suggest items you may want to buy next time. E-commerce platforms also often have data that count how many times you have bought specific items to encourage you to buy them again or try a variation of that same product.
Even while you are browsing specific items, many channels already suggest products to encourage you to find similar ones. Relevant sale items also make their way into your feed to gain better deals.
3. Health Tracking Apps
Health tracking apps store a lot of important information about users. It keeps records of a person’s height, weight, BMI, heart rate, sleeping patterns, and even blood sugar levels. As health apps track these, they can alert users of any positive or negative changes and provide suggestions to promote better health.
These apps are also helpful for the use of doctors who hold consultations with patients via telehealth checkups. When they gain access to a patient’s health records, they can remotely provide recommendations on lifestyle improvements and even prescriptions.
IoB is Useful, But Risky
The COVID-19 pandemic rapidly accelerated the transition of consumers into the online space. As the world makes the slow move forward from the virus, it is safe to say that online shopping is not going anywhere.
As consumers grow more and more accustomed to the digital space, they will further want their experience to be customized. IoB helps deliver these conveniences and benefits of customization to every consumer on a mobile device. As a result, they gain a seamless user experience, and businesses get better sales.
However, as data collection and behavioral analytics become more widely adopted, data security and privacy concerns also increase. Various channels can exchange users’ personal information and essentially create profiles for them, which they can then use to improve their sales practices and determine the kind of customer a person is.
Internet of Behavior does present many opportunities to provide better services through data exchange. Still, governments, organizations, and individuals alike must approach it with care to prioritize individual security.
