Can I remotely check if my home appliances are off? The ongoing quest to eliminate FOLO

You're rushing out the door, keys clinking in one hand, steaming coffee precariously balanced in the other. You jump in your car, navigating morning traffic while mentally rehearsing your packed schedule. Then suddenly, halfway to work, a chilling thought interrupts your focus: "Did I leave the stove on?" Your stomach drops as anxiety takes hold, and you're compelled to turn back, just to be sure. If this scenario feels all too familiar, you're not alone. You're experiencing FOLO (Fear of Leaving on).

FOLO triggers a persistent, gut-wrenching worry that you've left an appliance or electronic device running back home. It sparks visions of safety hazards or even worse scenarios playing out in your mind. It's not just the stove or iron you're worried about; lights, heaters, hair straighteners, and even electric blankets can trigger this relentless unease.

Interestingly, FOLO is more common than you'd think. Research indicates that millions of adults regularly experience this anxiety, largely due to our busy, multitasking lifestyles and our increasing dependence on electrical appliances. For some, FOLO is a minor annoyance, but for others, it can significantly disrupt their daily peace of mind.

Fragmented solutions

Modern technology is stepping in to soothe our fears. Smart home devices, such as smart plugs and appliances, offer remote monitoring and control, allowing you to instantly check and manage specific electronics from your smartphone. This immediate reassurance can eliminate the need to turn back home.

However, the current landscape of tech solutions designed to tackle FOLO can feel fragmented and overwhelming. With different apps controlling separate devices, users are often frustrated by the need to navigate multiple interfaces. Smart plugs, security systems, and smart thermostats typically operate independently, each requiring distinct setups, accounts, and controls. This disjointed approach can actually amplify anxiety rather than alleviate it, as users grapple with app fatigue.

What's needed is a unified smart home platform that seamlessly connects all household appliances, enabling centralised control from a single, intuitive interface. Streamlined integration not only simplifies management but also significantly reduces the cognitive load associated with FOLO. With better-coordinated solutions, users can experience genuine peace of mind, knowing that a single glance at their smartphone can confirm everything is safely turned off at home.

The power of one

This is where the Basis Smart Panel offers a simplified solution. Using the Basis Home app, users can clearly see connected devices in one convenient, central location. Rather than guessing or juggling multiple apps, the panel provides clear, real-time insights into which connected devices are on and the amount of power they're using. These insights give users the confidence that they haven’t overlooked anything, significantly reducing FOLO-induced stress.

Additionally, the Basis Smart Panel lets users take immediate action from anywhere. If an appliance or device has been left on accidentally, users can remotely turn off entire circuits or specific connected devices directly from their smartphones. By combining insightful monitoring and comprehensive control into a single interface, Basis enables users to manage FOLO effectively and efficiently.

No more FOLO

FOLO doesn't have to be a daily source of anxiety. By embracing the right solutions, you can transform that gut-wrenching worry into genuine peace of mind. Modern smart home technology, particularly integrated systems like the Basis Smart Panel, offers a powerful antidote to FOLO.

You can confidently walk out the door knowing with certainty that everything at home is just as it should be. The days of frantic U-turns and constant second-guessing can be a thing of the past. Ultimately, overcoming FOLO is about empowering yourself with knowledge and control. It's about combining practical habits with innovative tools that bring clarity to your home management.