# “It’s like a toxic relationship”: Examining internal conflict experienced in wearable activity tracker users

## TL;DR

This study explores how wearable activity tracker users experience internal conflict due to their reliance on the devices and the pressure they feel to meet activity goals.

## Contribution

The first study to directly examine internal conflict experienced by wearable activity tracker users through qualitative analysis.

## Key findings

- Users faced conflict over data mismatches and who should control their behavior.
- Participants felt pressure from devices to be active, blurring intrinsic and extrinsic motivation.
- Device dependency led to uncertainty about identity and behavior without the tracker.

## Abstract

Wearable activity trackers have been recognised as effective tools for physical activity promotion, leading to their integration in healthcare services. Although, some qualitative literature indicated that device users may experience internal conflict. The current study is the first of our knowledge to directly examine the conflict faced by wearable activity tracker users. A qualitative, exploratory design was followed, with inductive thematic analysis conducted on semi-structured interview transcripts. The current study consisted of 11 regular wearable activity tracker users (8 female), aged between 18–59 years (M = 30.73). Four themes and nine sub-themes captured participants’ internal conflict. Themes were; Who knows best? Who’s in charge? Who am I without it? And What is happening to me?. Themes highlighted that device users faced conflict around navigating a data mismatch, how a wearable activity tracker impacted their behaviour, the amount of control a tracker had over them, whether their device use was positive, and how they would act and feel if they no longer used their wearable activity tracker. Participants experienced substantial internal conflict from wearable activity tracker use. The intensity of device-user relationship was clear, suggesting device dependency and perceived device importance. Findings hold crucial implications around the integration of activity trackers in healthcare services, recommendations around healthy use, and the potential long-term negative impact of using these devices on bodily intuition. Theoretical underpinnings remain unclear around wearable activity tracker use; results suggested blurred boundaries between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation - likely due to device embodiment - and highlighted the role of pressure in driving increased physical activity.

Wearable activity trackers allow users to self-track health information. Typically devices are watches, but rings and chest straps are also used. We investigated if individuals using these devices experienced any internal conflict. Interviews were conducted and data was analysed. We found that users felt internal conflict for multiple reasons. Many received data from their device that they disagreed with, meaning they had to debate which perspective to adopt. Others felt conflict around how important their device felt to them and how much it impacted their behaviour. These devices were worn consistently by most participants meaning they became dependent on a device and found it difficult to separate what behaviour was for themselves, and what was to please the device. Consistent use meant users felt conflict around who they would feel and act if they stopped using their activity tracker. Conflict was also reported around how these devices changed behaviour; some said a device increased their motivation, but many instead reported feeling pressure to be active. Wearable activity trackers are beginning to be used in healthcare services. These findings stress that we need to recommend them with caution.