While the health benefits of fitness gadgets are undeniable, new research now suggests that they may also adversely impact people’s well-being in ways that have not been widely documented. Over the past several years, fitness apps and gadgets promising to help users better track their health and wellness routines have mushroomed worldwide. It is now a major industry all by itself, with players like Google, Apple, Samsung, Garmin and Fitbit being some of the more significant players.
With a myriad of gadgets, apps, and services jostling for users’ attention, there has never been a better time to consider getting into shape or embracing a healthier lifestyle. For most people, that will involve jogging, cycling, swimming, or trying to hit those recommended 10,000 steps per day. Technology like smartwatches and fitness trackers can often come in handy for tracking workout routines, and there are also a plethora of apps and services that promise to help. However, using technology for health tracking may have unintended negative consequences that users need to watch out for.
According to new research by Eoin Whelan, a senior lecturer in business information systems at the National University of Ireland, fitness apps and gadgets can become obsessions for some people, leading to negative mental health consequences. The most problematic aspects of these apps are the social sharing features that often…
