"It's like a toxic relationship": Examining internal conflict experienced in wearable activity tracker users

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Behavioral Science
• Digital Health

Background:

• Wearable activity trackers (WATs) are increasingly used for physical activity promotion and integrated into healthcare.
• Existing literature suggests potential internal conflicts experienced by WAT users.

Purpose of the Study:

• To directly examine the internal conflict faced by individuals using wearable activity trackers.
• To explore the nature and extent of psychological and behavioral impacts of WAT use.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative, exploratory study design.
• Inductive thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 11 regular WAT users (aged 18-59).

Main Results:

• Four key themes emerged: 'Who knows best?', 'Who's in charge?', 'Who am I without it?', and 'What is happening to me?'.
• Participants experienced conflict regarding data interpretation, behavioral influence, device control, and self-identity.
• Findings indicate a strong device-user relationship, suggesting dependency and perceived importance.

Conclusions:

• WAT use can lead to substantial internal conflict, impacting bodily intuition and blurring motivation boundaries.
• Implications exist for healthcare integration, promoting healthy usage recommendations, and understanding long-term effects.
• The study highlights the role of external pressure in driving physical activity through WATs.