Sensory Sensemaking : a study of fitness bands and its quantified body representation of young Indians

Rajan, Benson (2020) Sensory Sensemaking : a study of fitness bands and its quantified body representation of young Indians. Health and New Media Research, 4 (2). pp. 193-220. ISSN 26714124

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Abstract

There has been an explosion of wearable fitness-tracking consumer devices in India. The body and its functions are now visually analysable using these bands. The notion of being mindful about the body is fused with a fitness culture. This culture is supported by a growing market for fitness commodities that work towards transforming the self into computable data. This paper attempts to explore the manner in which fitness tracking devices enable positive reinforcement in young Indians. The primary means of data collection for the study was in-depth interviews with young adults (18 to 25 years of age). The participants expressed an affective relationship with the devices, especially the impact of data visuals that was a motivational factor in improving user performance. The study uses the Self-Determination Theory to map user motivation around fitness devices. The qualitative findings revealed the usage of fitness trackers in young Indians to be a private endeavour. While participants felt a positive sense of agency with the devices, they were also averse to the idea of competing within virtual fitness community.

Item Type: Article
Keywords: Social Support | Mental Health | Public Stigma | Personal Stigma | Attitudes toward Seeking Help
Subjects: Social Sciences and humanities > Social Sciences > Social Sciences (General)
Social Sciences and humanities > Social Sciences > Health (Social sciences)
JGU School/Centre: Jindal School of Journalism & Communication
Depositing User: Subhajit Bhattacharjee
Date Deposited: 26 Mar 2022 12:23
Last Modified: 26 Mar 2022 12:23
Official URL: http://jhnmr.org/HNMR/bbs/board.php?bo_table=s52&w...
URI: https://pure.jgu.edu.in/id/eprint/1850

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