The company Fitbit was founded in 2007. They make a range of products that help people track their activity levels and get in shape. Their products track things like heart rate, the number of steps walked, steps climbed, and quality of sleep. They keep records from users 24/7 (or for however long they wear it). Many of the newer models also allow wearers to receive notifications on the Fitbit (similar to an Apple Watch). But, this is also changing the way we communicate, not only because users can get notifications 24/7, but because all the activity the product records, can be shared and compared with other users. This can results in compitition between two users or even a way for coaches or others to monitor activity.
The company has released a large variety of products that allow customers to pick the perfect model that suits them. They also range in price and colors. All products give users the ability to compete with other users though. Talk about non-verbal communication... There have even been multiple people report that they caught their partners cheating using the activity log (after seeing a rise in heart-rate at odd hours of the day or night). No information is private anymore. With devices like a Fitbit, users can never fly under the radar because their physical activity is always being monitored and recorded.
I think this is an amazing app to help people get motivated and start working out. But it also makes me wonder how much privacy we are willing to lose in order to participate in the new and exciting technology. Any personal information that you share with the world, is something that everybody will be able to access. Letting your friend see how many steps you take in a day may seem harmless, but it could lead you down a dangerous path of you releasing much more private information in the future.
No comments:
Post a Comment