The expected and perceived well-being effects of short-term self-tracking technology use. (2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kari, Tuomas; Koivunen, Sanna; Frank, Lauri; Makkonen, Markus; Moilanen, Panu
• Is Part Of: International journal of networking and virtual organisations. Volume 17:Number 4(2017)
• Page Start: 354
• Page End: 370
• Publication Date: 2017
• Subjects: self-tracking -- activity tracker -- mobile application -- implementation -- well-being -- eHealth -- eWellbeing -- self-tracking technologies -- digital wellness -- quantified self -- qualified self -- health technology -- wellness technology -- use continuance; Computer networks -- Periodicals; Information networks -- Periodicals; Virtual corporations -- Periodicals; Electronic commerce -- Periodicals; Management information systems -- Periodicals; Management -- Data processing -- Periodicals; 004.65
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1470-9503

Abstract

Individuals and the healthcare sector have become increasingly interested to measure and improve health and well-being by using different self-tracking technologies. Physical activity, nutrition, and sleep are a few of the various measures that can be self-tracked by different technological solutions. This study investigates the expected and perceived well-being effects of short-term self-tracking technology use with focus on the implementation phase. The study is based on thematic analysis of ten semi-structured interviews. The results reveal that the perceived well-being effects of using a self-tracking technology are relatively minor during the implementation phase - in line with the pre-implementation expectations. The possible increase in well-being is expected to occur in a longer time scale. Perceived psychological well-being is found to be affected the most during the implementation phase. The results also reveal interesting findings regarding the use and acceptance of self-tracking technologies. Based on the results, theoretical and practical implications are presented.