Summary

This research investigates the ethical and social implications of smart doorbell technology, particularly its surveillance-centred features. Grounded in Foucauldian Theory of Panopticism and Zuboff’s concept of surveillance capitalism, the study analyses how constant monitoring affects behaviour, potentially fostering a culture of surveillance and societal control.

The main argument posits that smart doorbell surveillance could exacerbate socioeconomic inequality and impinge on personal freedoms. Using qualitative methods, such as interviews and focus groups, the research aims to uncover how various stakeholders perceive and balance the benefits and risks associated with this technology.

Background

The rapid rise in the popularity of smart doorbell technology is driven by growing demand for enhanced home security and convenience. Equipped with internet connectivity, video recording, and remote access capabilities, these devices capture footage around homes, including not only intended visitors but also neighbours and passersby. This has raised important questions about privacy in public spaces (Fantozzi, Grigoletto, & Pasquato, 2020; McAleese, 2022).

Despite their growing presence, the existing literature on smart doorbells remains relatively sparse, often grouping them within broader discussions of smart home technologies (Kelly, 2022; Tabassum & Lipford, 2023). However, their widespread adoption has introduced a new layer of residential surveillance (Alshehri et al., 2022; Buil-Gil et al., 2023; Calacci, Shen, & Pentland, 2022), contributing to what Walsh (2022) refers as a "sweeping surveillance nexus.” The capacity of this technology to collect data from people's everyday interactions, combined with the potential for personalisation and profiling, has raised privacy concerns. Individuals in the vicinity of these devices may feel restricted in their ability to move and communicate freely within their communities due to the pervasive sense of being constantly monitored (Grauer, 2022; Brayne, 2022). 
 

Research question

The central question that this project asks is: How do different stakeholders perceive and balance the ethical concerns and social benefits of smart doorbells technology?”

Aims and Objectives

This research aims to explore the motivations and subjective experiences of stakeholders regarding the benefits of integration of smart doorbells into home security. Additionally, it investigates the effects of "consumer-initiated surveillance" (Kelly, 2022; West, E., 2019) on individual privacy, autonomy, and freedom, focusing on the intrusion of personal space and its impact on decision-making and freedom of movement. The study also examines how this technology influences social dynamics within neighbourhoods, specifically focusing on community interactions, trust, and social cohesion.

Methodology

The methodology of this research employs qualitative research. Semi-structured interviews will be conducted with a diverse range of participants, including smart doorbell users, privacy advocates, technology experts, law enforcement, and non-users affected by this technology. This method allows for in-depth discussions of participants' experiences while maintaining a focus on key research themes. Additionally, focus groups will be organised to encourage interaction and debate, helping to reveal collective attitudes and contrasting opinions about smart doorbell surveillance. The exploratory nature of the research aligns with the interpretivist paradigm, which seeks to understand subjective perceptions and experiences. The study adopts an inductive approach, meaning that findings will emerge from the data collected rather than being driven by preconceived hypotheses.

Purposive sampling ensures that participants are selected based on their direct experience and knowledge of smart doorbell technology, ensuring a diversity of perspectives. Participants will be recruited through Cumbria Neighbourhood Watch Scheme and referrals. The qualitative data collected will be transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis.