Would you take a free TV if it meant being part of an ad-driven science experiment?
That’s the question at the heart of this week’s episode of The Cave Project, where Jenny and Greg Swan dive into their latest tech adventure: the Telly TV. It’s a 55-inch television that’s absolutely free—no strings attached… except the tiny requirement that you keep it plugged in, connected to WiFi, and accept that a second screen beneath it will serve you ads 24/7.
Oh, and if you unplug it, move it, or just decide you’re over it? That’s a cool $1,000 charge to your credit card.
Naturally, we had to try it out — and talk about it.
Key Takeaways from This Episode
1. Free Isn’t Free.
There’s always a trade-off. We’ve accepted that social media harvests our data in exchange for free access to platforms. But when the trade-off is a literal physical object in your home that watches you back, the stakes feel different.
2. The Ads Are… Bad.
If you’re going to force ads into our living room, at least make them good. Instead, we’re getting job postings for shingles, gambling, gas stations, medical scooters, and stair lifts. Which, sure, Jenny’s recent foot surgeries might make her a prime candidate for mobility aids, but still—this isn't quite the precision-targeted future of advertising we were promised.
3. The Kids Are Not Okay.
Jenny and Greg’s kids (who, for the record, do not use AI and think surveillance capitalism is a crime) are deeply disturbed by this thing. The idea of a TV tracking their presence in a room? Nope. Hard pass. Let’s just not tell them what their phones are tracking, right? Because the device you’re reading this on knows 500% more than this TV.
4. What Happens When It’s Not Just a TV?
Okay, let’s say the experiment works! If this model takes off, what’s next? A free fridge that won’t open unless you watch a 15-second ad for oat milk? A free Tesla that plays insurance commercials at red lights? Honestly, it all comes down to the trade-off of what is worth it. It’s all about the value exchange.
Final Verdict: Keep or Return?
Jenny’s biggest complaint? The TV is too small to properly enjoy football. (Greg, should have seen this coming). Hey Telly, send us a 75” TV!!
Greg’s biggest takeaway? This is just the beginning. It’s not good or bad; it’s just a step. Of course he said that. Typical Greg.
Would you take one? Where’s your line when it comes to trading privacy for free stuff? Hit reply or drop us a comment—we want to hear your take.
And hey, if you’re going to SXSW next month, let’s meet up! We’ll be there, and we have The Cave Project stickers (which, we promise, do not have embedded ads).
🎧 Don’t miss this week’s episode—now live on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!
-Jenny and Greg
🎙️ The Cave Project Archives
If you’re just joining us, welcome! We’re on Season 2 of The Cave Project — a movement exploring the nuance of our modern-day reality and the tension of our technological future with Jenny and Greg Swan. Check out the archives here.
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