Tracking the Trackers: Self-Tracking in Households as Social Practice

Hardey, Mariann

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to examine the effect of different types of self-tracking users (trackers) on the health behaviours of others living in the same household. The study takes an international perspective, examining tracking practises from thirteen households based in Europe, the United Kingdom and the United States to determine how trackers contribute to emerging cultural and social factors across life stages. The findings contribute to digital health understandings by shedding light on collective practises formed within frequently intergenerational households. The study emphasises the importance of cross-cultural and intergenerational tracking research to foster collective and symbolic health engagement. The article delves into the intersection of online and offline dynamics to describe the social practice of digital health culture. It sheds new light on structural and agency issues in households sharing self-tracking experiences.

Citation

Hardey, M. (2022). Tracking the Trackers: Self-Tracking in Households as Social Practice. Digital Health, 8, 1-11. https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076221093131

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Mar 23, 2022
• Online Publication Date: Apr 11, 2022
• Publication Date: Jan 1, 2022
• Deposit Date: Mar 29, 2022
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 21, 2022
• Journal: Digital Health
• Electronic ISSN: 2055-2076
• Publisher: SAGE Publications
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 8
• Pages: 1-11
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/20552076221093131
• Public URL: https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1210725