The wearable technology market size has been growing and will continue to grow steadily. Apple Watches, Microsoft Hololens, and Google glass are all examples of innovative products that are on the market today. This easy read sparks the imagination in what the future might hold for us in wireless wearables. Six technology specialists predict products of the future such as contact lenses that come with an embedded assistant; earrings that track your major vital signs; shoes that convert movement into energy.
Like most people, I’m excited for any product that can easily and effortlessly collect, and in some cases analyse, my personal data from my fingertips, wrists, ankles and provide information back to me in a meaningful way that will help me lead a happier and healthier life; however, this inevitable evolution of wearable technology gives me pause. Is my data going to a centralized database maintained by the wearable maker? Is that database secure? How can I guarantee my personal information isn’t being shared with or sold to a third party? These are a few questions that we should get the answers to before we pull out our credit card to buy our future smart shoes!
Hi Elizabeth, My friend was a part of the trials for the goggles, and her reviews were glowing! Regarding the training, wearables and psychological effects, I guess I equate it to the social-media type of impact where comparing others and becoming micro-focused on the digital feedback can take over. I think there needs to be some self-awareness and intentionality in tracking and collecting data about training (something I’ve tried to be mindful of). I argue that the line can get blurry with that degree of constant feedback. Much like social media can become an obsession or source of stress, I think wearable data, in some cases, may also be a slippery slope. With that said, I agree with your statement about whether it’s the wearable or the behaviour, or maybe it’s just a perfect storm of the right person with specific attributes and how they interact with the constant self-assessment that goes with having such data-rich devices. As we navigate new and innovative technology that helps us be our best selves, we need to continuously negotiate their roles in our lives and the real estate they take up in our minds. Thanks for pushing my thinking!
In addition to data storage and sharing, I’m concerned about the cognitive impact of constantly tracking our health and fitness. As an amateur triathlete and endurance runner, I’ve worn heart rate monitors, Garmin watches that track cadence, stride balance metrics, power meters that tell me my pedal power per foot and bike computers that give me continuous performance feedback. Information that, at times, has diminished the joy I felt about an activity or event once I saw the stats laid out before me. This information is then uploaded to via bluetooth to Strava (a social media platform with gamification qualities for athletes, from the weekend warrior to the pro). Most recently, swim goggles have been released that give you stroke, speed and split data on your lens as you’re doing laps, even the depths of the pool aren’t sacred anymore.
Yes, feedback in real time is helpful for enhancing performance in real time, however what are the psychological impacts or consequences of constantly monitoring our physical activity. When is mobile, wearable technology taking more away from one than it is giving?
Hi Grace!
Smart goggles? I love it. I wonder how accurate the data is? I was curious by your question “What are the psychological impacts or consequences of constantly monitoring physical activity and health”. The question I have is why is the athlete constantly monitoring their physical activity? You’re right, that wouldn’t be healthy.
Professional & elite athletes and age groupers are almost always focused on performing better. Wireless wearables/devices, like Garmin watches or “Smart” swim goggles, give athletes the data to monitor the integrity of their training sessions which ultimately impacts whether they perform better on the big day. Their training sessions are generally part of a training plan which should have rest built in, and a planned off-season. No athlete, no matter the level, should be constantly training and tracking their performance. So is the problem the wireless devices or the athlete’s behaviour?
Also, are training sessions ever enjoyable? LOL!
I spent a number of years training for triathlons. Now my Garmin watch sits in a drawer. I’m happy taking leisurely runs/rides and going for long, slow swims in the lake. I don’t miss tracking my heart rate at all!:)