According to Mark Twain, history doesn't repeat itself but it rhymes a lot (Laureate, 2014). In some ways, this can be reflected in emerging technologies because the existence of that technology can cause historical moments and practices to be rekindled. One such example can be found in the wearable technology (Fitbits and Apple Watch) that is rising in popularity. According to the CDC, over 1/3 of U.S. Adults are obese and there has been a dramatic increase in these rates in the last 20 years ("Facts", 2014). However, wearable technology has reinvigorated a healthy focus and brought back a focus on being in shape and fit which was prevalent in historical times. Yes, jobs were more labor intensive in the past and there was lees technology that automized movement, but historically people were more fit. Wearable technology such as the Fitbit and the new Apple Watch allows the wearer to keep track of his calorie intake and burn levels, and even sleep patterns. Having access to this information will motivate and help users become more mindful of their decisions and how those choices affect elements of their health. Making users more health conscious will help them become more healthy and being more healthy is becoming more popular since wearable devices such as fitbands are expected to make 24 million in sales by 2015 and 45 million by 2017 ("Wearing it Well", 2014).
References:
Facts. (2014, September 03). Retrieved October 08, 2014, from http://www.cdc.gov/obesity/data/facts.html
Laureate Education (Producer). (2014). David Thornburg: Six forces that drive emerging technologies [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
Wearing it well: The healthcare potential of wearable technology. (n.d.). Retrieved October 09, 2014, from http://www.pmlive.com/pharma_news/wearing_it_well_the_potential_of_wearable_technology_in_healthcare_589546
Nice post! Wearable technology is a fascinating subject. In your post you focused mainly on the health and fitness contributions of wearable tech like the fitbit and the Apple watch. I agree that having access to that information can create aid on the fitness decisions made by an individual. However, I question your statement that historically people were more fit. What is your basis for this statement? Are you specifically referring to eating and exercise habits? In poverty and war throughout history, many eat poorly and are often unable to secure employment sufficient to allow them a healthy lifestyle. On the other hand, I can see how more effort and work was often involved for day-to-day living in the past.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if the weapons and tools (i.e. sword, knife, ax, hammer) often worn in the past could be considered "wearable technology". Are our purposes for wearable tech (like the fitbit, Apple watch, etc.) similar to those people of the distant past?
Thanks for the great read and for the opportunity to ponder this topic! I wonder what wearable tech will be able to help us with in the future.
Danny, A great post. Wearable technology is connecting us to resources that can improve our lives. I like the functions on the fitness tech that remind us to get up and walk around, and the vibrating alarm clock. The idea of having a wearable device that gives directions or task cues by vibration is awesome. Eventually, tools like the Apple Watch and Google Glass will provide a resource that alerts us to personal interest information. The goal will be to avoid becoming hyper vigilant and becoming technology induced ADD or ADHD.
ReplyDeleteI think the next step in wearable tech will be in consumer athletic clothing. The fitness market is the area that will benefit most to sensor laden technology, and this will open the door for other sports manufacturers to enter the market. What do you think?
Hi Daniel,
ReplyDeleteI enjoy reading information about wearable technology. I believe this topic has become a possible research interest. While the focus of wearable technology appears to be towards the user's health, I am curious as to how this technology can expand to other areas such as education.
This is a great example! I cannot remember which course it was, but we looked at some really early wearable technologies and it was comical... There were wires and large battery packs, and it just looked as though the person would fall over at any moment trying to balance all that equipment! How different this new wearable technology is! It really is amazing to see how many ideas from the past have recently emerged again...
ReplyDelete