I've been hacking on computer for over thirty years, and maybe it's a testament to my age -- but I've got to say, there's not a lot that gets me less excited than the "internet of things".
Maybe databases.
Maybe databases.
But recently, I started discovering how I can build my own "things". That completely changed my view of what's happening in this field.
There's a thriving ecosystem of affordable micro-computers, controllers, sensors, a wide range of components; and people of all ages building all kinds of things with what's available in the market. As a sibling comment mentioned, the excitement is similar to the early days of the web, or what the early days of personal computers must have been like.
For me the joy comes from exploring the building blocks, technological marvels that are accessible to the public now, and learning how to build what I imagine in my mind. It kind of brings me back full circle, (re)learning C and electronics, controlling hardware directly, like I was doing in my childhood/pre-teens - but with all the advancements made in the last few decades.
But the killer one for me was making a garden irrigation system where it waters for 10 minutes, one hour after sunset.
You don't need IOT for this. Even the cheapest coffee pot has a timer on it.