Does wearable technology affect adolescents’ motivation to be physically active?

Abstract

Wearable health and fitness devices, such as Fitbit, FuelBands or Jawbones, are marketed at tools to motivate adults and young people engage with physical activity. However, limited evidence exists on the extent to which these devices impact on motivation. Moreover, less is known about the impacts of these devices on young people. Given the digital world in which adolescent’s lives are situated and the attractiveness of wearable technology to young people, this research explored the impact of a Fitbit on adolescents’ motivation for physical activity, and their related perceptions of these devices for health promotion.