Linking the “Internet of Things” to social media: a look at the Vaal Dam

Abstract

The “Internet of Things” is the new paradigm where “things” are becoming more widely connected to the Internet. More and more inanimate objects (such as cars, bridges, cell phones, digital cameras, and telescopes) are equiped with digital intelligence and are, thereby, given the capability of connecting to the Internet. Even some animate (or nearly animate) objects are becoming connected to the Internet including pets with embedded chips and a human pacemaker with a wireless link. This paper describes a joint project with CSIR Meraka and the South African Department of Water Affairs where the Vaal Dam is given a social media presence on Twitter, Facebook, and MXit.