While wearable tech is often seen as a tool that helps people improve themselves, it can have the opposite effect on some users.
One Reddit user noticed how not wearing a smart ring actually made them feel better and less anxious.
The Redditor shared that for the last few weeks, they’ve been receiving notifications from their Oura ring due to “poor sleep, stomach bug, and time of the month.” Later they found themselves in a situation where they couldn’t charge the device.
The user then decided to take it off, which made them feel that stress was leaving their body.
“It’s weird, it’s supposed to help you be aware of your habits and steps, symptoms but all the tracking intensified my anxieties,” they wrote.
The Redditor went on to say that the situation wouldn't deter them from wearing the ring in the future. Nevertheless, their experience started a discussion online, with many seeing it as a warning.
Some users expressed their concern, stating that perhaps it's better not to use the device.
“These are just supposed to be observant devices. I love getting my morning scores but they don’t rule my life,” noted one Redditor.
“I don’t think the Oura ring is good for people with health anxiety for the reasons you mentioned. If it gives you more stress that kind of negates the point,” pointed out another user.
Some Redditors also stressed how using a wearable can actually trigger “some underlying deeper issues.”
“I think you need a therapist, respectfully. I have some bodybuilder (former) friends that aren’t allowed to use macro tracking food apps due to eating disorder or anxiety. The feelings you’re describing aint normal,” shared another user online.
Anyone ever just remove their Oura ring and feel so much better, as in less anxiety without all the tracking and the symptoms notification (I know it’s optional to turn off).
byu/SignificantSky5944 inouraring
However, not all were quick to suggest getting rid of health monitoring devices in such a case.
“Exactly my experience. And to those saying that Oura is not good for people with anxiety – Oura GIVES anxiety even to completely chillaxed people otherwise,” shared one user.
Another user also related to the original poster’s experience, saying that they have a “clear conscience” when not wearing a device, knowing that they’re not doing certain activities just to get it recorded by a ring.
It’s been previously reported that wearables, such as smartwatches, can indeed make some users anxious.
Last, year, a study conducted by researchers at University of Twente revealed that some users who wore a wearable device expressed noting an increased stress while others had an opposite reaction, indicating “decreased stress and health anxiety due to increased awareness and comforting feedback from the smartwatch.”
While wearable technology is often associated with positive changes, the study also highlights the fact that its impact, whether positive or not, depends on the individual, reminding that technology is often just the tool that can either help with or enable our disruptive behaviors.
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