The Dark Side of Wearable Technology: Disadvantages You Should Know About
Introduction
Wearable technology has globally increased in demand. People prefer monitoring health, fitness, and other essential parameters effortlessly, and wearable technology provides exactly that. With the growing popularity of Fitbits, Apple Watches, and other smart wearables, we can drive our lives from another dimension. But does it always have to be such a positive experience? The matter of fact is, wearable technology has certain disadvantages that people must understand before jumping feet first into its ecosystem.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Wearable Technology
The first and foremost advantage of wearable technology is that it allows for improved health and fitness monitoring. People can keep track of their blood pressure, temperature, and heart rate in real-time, making necessary changes to their routines. Additionally, wearables like Apple Watches have become more than just health monitors – people can take calls, schedule appointments, and even jump on social media if they so choose. However, these advantages come with their own downsides, namely privacy concerns.
Privacy Concerns
Wearable technology has a massive impact on society from both an individual and societal standpoint. Every wearable technology device is connected to the Internet and may transmit your data to a third party or even a hacker. In the wrong hands, the data transmitted by IP address and device ID could lead to identity theft or breach of confidential information. This can include your location, browsing history, and even banking data. Even though wearables compile data anonymously, the risk of this information being stolen is too great to ignore.
Health and Legal Implications
Wearable technology is not just a privacy concern; it can also have severe health implications. Overuse of these devices can lead to repetitive strain injuries (RSI) or even addiction. The increased use of wearables can also lead to a decrease in physical activity, with individuals relying too heavily on data provided by the device. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not regulate most wearable devices, leading to a lack of control of quality standards, which predisposes users to health risks.
Conclusion
Wearable technology is designed to make life more comfortable, but it comes with its own set of concerns. Wearable technology has initiated our understanding of the connected reality as well as fundamentally changed the way we interact with the world. However, in light of the serious privacy concerns and health risks, it is crucial to pause for thought before integrating these devices into our daily routine. Understanding the risks posed by wearable technology and taking the necessary precautions before use is a must to ensure a smooth experience.
