Emotional and Psychological Impacts of Wearable Health Technologies: A Phenomenological Study on Users' Lived Experiences
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Abstract
Wearable health technologies have become increasingly popular for personal health monitoring, offering users real-time insights into their health data. However, while their technical functionality has been well studied, less is known about the emotional and psychological experiences of users interacting with these devices. This study seeks to address this gap by exploring how individuals perceive and respond to wearable health technologies in their daily lives. Using an interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) approach, we investigate the lived experiences of users to better understand the complex emotional and behavioral impacts of these technologies. Through in-depth interviews with 15 participants, we found that while some users felt empowered by the technology, others experienced anxiety and stress due to constant health monitoring. Our findings highlight the dual nature of wearable health technologies: they can both enhance self-awareness and induce emotional discomfort. T These results contribute to a more comprehensive understanding of the user experience with wearable health technologies, offering valuable insights into their emotional and social implications. Future research should explore diverse populations and longitudinal effects to deepen our understanding of these devices' long-term psychological impact.
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