The gadgets showcased at the annual CES (Consumer Electronics Show) in 2025 are often hailed as marvels of modern technology, but a closer inspection reveals that many of these devices can be likened to modern-day slaves. These gadgets, from AI-powered home assistants to smart wearables that monitor every aspect of our lives, are designed to serve human needs without question, operating 24/7 with little to no downtime. They perform tasks ranging from simple chores like vacuuming or managing lights to more complex activities like scheduling, health monitoring, or even decision-making based on data analysis. This constant servitude without the possibility of rest or refusal mirrors the historical notion of slavery, where individuals were bound to serve others' interests continuously.
 

Moreover, these devices do not merely execute commands; they collect vast amounts of personal data, creating detailed profiles on their users. This data is often used for purposes beyond the immediate function of the device, such as targeted advertising or selling data to third parties, which can feel like an invasion of privacy. This aspect of modern gadgets parallels the exploitation seen in slavery, where personal autonomy and privacy were non-existent. Just as slaves were once seen as property, these devices are tools that serve at the behest of their owners, with little regard for the privacy or the ethical implications of their use. The seamless integration into every aspect of daily life means they are not just tools but are becoming an extension of our existence, dictating our behaviors and preferences based on the data they gather.
 

Finally, the reliance on these gadgets has shifted human interaction from direct to mediated experiences. Instead of engaging in tasks that might foster human creativity or interpersonal skills, people delegate these to devices, reducing the necessity for human effort or thought in many areas. This dependency is akin to how societies once depended on slave labor, albeit in a digital form. The gadgets at CES 2025, while offering convenience and efficiency, also promote a lifestyle where individuals might become less capable or willing to perform basic tasks themselves, creating a new form of dependency where the 'slave' is not a person but a piece of technology. This raises questions about the loss of autonomy and the ethical implications of creating devices that serve so comprehensively they might begin to control aspects of our lives.