How Devices Are Surpassing Instincts: The Emergence of Wearable Tech and Self-Assessment
Throughout most of human existence, survival and wellness were largely determined by instinct, intuition, and physical signals. Our forebears recognized hunger through stomach sounds, felt fatigue through muscle pain, and determined a good night’s rest purely based on how revitalized they felt. However, in this era of wearable technology, we now quantify what was once felt—from heart rates and step counts to exercise effort and sleep quality. Increasingly, we turn to our devices, rather than ourselves, to answer the question, “How am I doing?”
In optimal scenarios, this technological age serves as a bridge, linking our subjective experiences with objective information. This connection can prove both empowering and enlightening. When utilized properly, wearable trackers assist in aligning what we perceive with what is factually accurate—providing us with a more extensive understanding of our physical selves and behaviors.
The Boundaries of Self-Assessment
Humans are notoriously poor at assessing things subjectively. We miscalculate calorie intake, overrate physical exertion, and often believe we’ve traveled further than we actually have. For instance, consider a colleague who thought he was strictly managing his diet—only to find out he was unknowingly consuming an additional 500 calories daily through barbecue sauce. An easily made error—unless one is meticulously tracking.
That said, there are exceptional individuals with almost superhuman sensory accuracy. Take Canadian sprinter Ben Johnson, who notably could accurately predict his 100-meter sprint time within a tenth of a second. Yet for most of us, achieving that level of precision is unrealistic, prompting the question:
How Accurate Are You at Self-Assessment?
And, more importantly: Can technology assist us in enhancing that accuracy to make improved health and wellness choices?
Let’s explore how wearable data trackers play a role in this, assessing their accuracy, determining when they are beneficial (and when they fall short), and investigating how we can train ourselves to integrate technological insights with physical awareness.
What’s the Real Accuracy of Fitness Trackers?
Not all data is the same, and neither are all devices. The accuracy of a fitness tracker is contingent on various factors, including the brand, the technology it employs, and the nature of the data it gathers. For instance:
- Step counts and heart rate monitoring are generally fairly precise across most major brands.
- Caloric expenditure estimates and sleep quality assessments can exhibit significant margins of error due to reliance on proxies and modeling algorithms.
Furthermore, different trackers emphasize various metrics and include their own proprietary algorithms—meaning two devices may present drastically different outcomes for the same activity. Accuracy also relies on behavior: a tracker worn on the wrist might mistake clapping for walking, while a poorly fitted heart rate monitor can distort cardiovascular information.
Nevertheless, most contemporary wearables deliver sufficiently accurate insights to identify significant trends—particularly when used consistently over a period.
When Tracking Is Advantageous (and When It Isn’t)
Wearables can provide substantial advantages: They offer data that either confirms or questions our perceptions, inspire positive habits, and assist in personalizing health decisions to meet individual preferences.
However, there exists a downside—the risk of information overload. As computer scientist Dr. Samantha Kleinberg observes, even a minor excess of information can disrupt decision-making. This exemplifies the progress paradox: more data does not always yield improved results.
So how can you tell if tracking is beneficial or detrimental?
Look out for these indicators:
1. Tracking Alleviates Stress and Confirms Behavior
Consider Zak, a runner who questioned the efficacy of low-intensity “zone 2” cardio until his heart rate monitor indicated enhanced recovery and decreasing resting heart rates. In that moment, he could align his subjective discomfort (“This feels too simple”) with objective outcomes (“Wow, I’m genuinely making progress!”).
If tracking brings you reassurance, builds confidence in your strategy, or aids clients in feeling more capable, it’s an excellent resource.
Warning sign: Stress can increase when trackers provide information you cannot influence—such as your sleep score after a night of disrupted rest due to a baby. In such cases, the data might prove to be more harmful than beneficial.