Wellbeing in the Making: Peoples' Experiences with Wearable Activity Trackers.

Area of Science:

• Human-computer interaction
• Psychology
• Digital health

Background:

• Wearable activity trackers are a growing market, but concerns exist regarding their impact on user wellbeing.
• Some research indicates trackers may decrease enjoyment of activities, potentially hindering healthy habit formation.
• A wellbeing-focused approach requires understanding how trackers mediate meaningful user experiences.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore users' real-life experiences with wearable activity trackers.
• To investigate how trackers fulfill user needs and impact overall wellbeing.
• To provide a nuanced understanding of tracker adoption and psychological benefits.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study analyzing memorable experiences from 133 users of Fitbit, Jawbone Up, and Nike+ FuelBand.
• Utilized need fulfillment theory as a framework for analysis.
• Examined user experiences related to physical thriving and social relatedness.

Main Results:

• User experiences are structured around needs for physical thriving and relatedness.
• Tracker relevance for reflecting on exercise may decline, but data collection for activities like running persists.
• Trackers provide psychological benefits, including enhanced autonomy and fostering social relatedness through shared use.

Conclusions:

• Activity trackers can transcend their role as mere behavior-change tools.
• Incorporating trackers into daily life can create new social experiences and boost self-esteem.
• Trackers can help individuals move closer to their ideal selves by offering psychological support.