The document discusses a study on whether millennials will drive mainstream adoption of the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT connects everyday objects to the internet, allowing them to share data. However, uptake has been slow despite predictions of trillions in economic value. The study surveyed millennial students to understand their knowledge, privacy concerns, and views on connected devices and services. The results provide insight into millennials' potential acceptance of IoT and a more connected future. However, the study notes millennials still value the real world over being fully immersed in the virtual.

1. A Study of the Adoption of The Internet of Things: Will the millennial
cohort be the driving force to mainstream consumer consciousness?
Executive Summary
The Internet of Things is being hailed as the next technological revolution, set to be worth
multiple trillions to the global economy. It represents the concept of everyday objects being
connected to the internet and having the ability to send and receive data, not only to the
internet but through the internet to other inanimate objects. Frequently quoted examples
include the fridge that orders the milk or the toothbrush that can identify cavities and book
your dentist appointment.
Theoretically the Internet of Things became a reality in 2010 when more items were
connected to the internet than people. Yet despite the great hype and high hopes, uptake
has been relatively slow and hypothetical scenarios have left little impressions on the
consumer market. This was the motivation behind this study, the researcher wanted to ask
the question how or will IoT find a place in the mainstream consumer consciousness. When
considering the potential of eservices of the future, the answer to its critical mass adoption
likely lies in the hands of the upcoming generation; The Millennials.
The millennials or Generation Y as they are otherwise known have grown up in an already
connected world, the latter half of the cohort not knowing a world without mobile phones or
even social media. The research aimed to see if this digital generation’s characteristics and
practically instinctive online behaviour will lead them to championing the Internet of Things.
Surveys were presented to students which asked questions regarding their knowledge and
attitude towards data privacy, along with subsets of queries divulging their perception of
value of free eservices, and potential of a more connected world. The data was analysed to
answer research questions relating to potential acceptance of IoT.
Overall this research piece paints a picture of the next generation of adults, and provides
insight for those in the industry to consider when trying to encourage the acceptance of this
new way of life. The research demonstrates that millennials have accepted the notion of a
world surrounded by smart devices where all the non-value adding activities have been
removed and our healthcare will dramatically improve, however there is a note of caution
regarding the level to which they chose to exist in the virtual versus real world.