When you constantly check phone notifications of "motion detected at front door," your cortisol (stress hormone) levels spike. You begin to see threats where none exist. Furthermore, living in a camera-dense neighborhood changes social behavior. Neighbors stop waving; they avert their eyes. Children stop playing in front yards because they feel observed.

Unsurprisingly, data consistently shows that visible security cameras deter crime. A study by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte surveyed over 400 incarcerated burglars; 60% said the presence of a security camera would cause them to choose a different target. Doorbell cameras, specifically, have been instrumental in solving "porch piracy," which affects 1 in 4 Americans annually.

You don’t have to choose between a safe home and a private life. By being an intentional consumer, you can mitigate most risks associated with home security systems.