Abstract In this article we introduce the Internet of Things to the broad managerial
community and explore one of its central tensions: convenience vs. privacy and
secrecy. We clarify the ways in which IoT differs from Web 2.0 and then highlight
opportunities, challenges, and managerial guidance. In addition, we explore the
prominent issue of privacy and secrecy. Due to substantial increases in amounts of
consumer-related data and their accessibility as well as potential tradeoffs in benefits
associated with IoT and in properties of humanness associated with the consumer
experience, the managerial issue of privacy is elevated to a level never before
realized–—perhaps on par with, or worthy of inclusion as an element of, the classic
marketing mix.