Many are questioning if their smartwatches are helpful or harmful, as compulsive tracking can lead to anxiety and unhealthy obsessions
London: So, there I was, trudging around the block on a chilly November night, just trying to get home after the gym. My Garmin watch was nagging me, saying I was still a few hundred steps short of my daily goal. I mean, really?
Logically, I knew I should just head home. I’m active and young, so walking a few extra minutes wouldn’t really change my health. Plus, with all the pollution in my north London neighborhood, it might even be worse for me. But still, I kept walking.
This isn’t a wild story, but it made me think about something deeper. That harmless little walk could turn into a bigger issue if I’m not careful.
Emma, a fellow fitness enthusiast, noticed her smartwatch use was becoming a bit obsessive. A 2022 survey showed that over a quarter of adults in the UK own a fitness tracker, and a third wear them daily. The smartwatch market is booming, expected to hit $62 billion by 2028. Oura Health, known for its popular rings, is even doubling its sales this year.
These devices can be super helpful. They motivate us to move and can help track health issues like migraines. But there’s a flip side. They can also fuel body-image problems and unhealthy obsessions. A study from the University of Copenhagen found that many people treat fitness tracker data like medical advice, which can lead to unnecessary anxiety.
Dr. Brendon Stubbs explains that these trackers tap into our brain’s reward system. They give us quick feedback and achievements, which can create a cycle of compulsive self-monitoring. It’s like a game, and it’s hard to step away.
Not long ago, only elite athletes had access to this kind of data. But now, fitness watches are everywhere. I held off on getting one for years, thinking I didn’t need to know my heart rate or calories burned. But when I started training for the London marathon, I caved and got a Garmin.
It was a game changer for my marathon training. I didn’t have to pull out my phone to track my runs, and I got useful insights into my heart rate. But then I started obsessing over all the other data my watch provided. My sleep score, step count, and body battery became my new fixation.
It’s funny how that “self-knowledge through numbers” can backfire. I’d wake up feeling great, only to see my watch said my sleep score was low. Suddenly, I’d feel tired all day. Or I’d be ready to run, but my watch would say I wasn’t ready. Talk about a buzzkill!
Dr. Brendan warns that constant monitoring can lead to anxiety about numbers instead of focusing on overall well-being. Many users feel guilty when they don’t hit their goals, which can mess with their mental health. While these devices can help, they can also do more harm than good.
A study found that 70% of university students engaged in compensatory behaviors to meet their step goals. That’s a lot of pressure! The worst part is that those with a tendency for disordered behaviors might get hooked on their devices, leading to unhealthy habits.
Dr. Joseph Hayes, a psychiatry professor, believes that only those with pre-existing issues should be overly concerned about fitness trackers. He says most people use them positively, but a small group might struggle.
For those wanting to use smartwatches healthily, Dr. Brendan has some advice. Use them as one of many tools for health, not the only one. Set flexible goals and take breaks from tracking. Remember, these devices should help us, not control us.
In the end, it’s all about balance. Smartwatches can be great, but we need to keep our focus on how we feel, not just the numbers.