So, I’ve been mulling over the idea of wearable tech lately. Like, I recently saw an advert for the new apple watch series 7 and I have to admit - I am intrigued. But then again, I also had this nagging feeling like, do I really want to be ‘plugged in’ all the time?

I get the convenience aspect. Fitness tracking, email alerts, weather updates all right there on your wrist. Some of them even detect falls or emergency situations, which is handy especially for those with health conditions, right?

But then we hear all this news about companies using our data and stuff. And I know, I know, we give away our information all the time just by using our smartphones, but somehow strapping a device on my body that’s constantly collecting data feels a little more… I don’t know… intrusive?

That’s not to say I am completely against it, nor am I planning to go off the grid or anything. I’m just curious to know how you guys weigh the pros and cons. I got my hands on a FitBit once, you know those fitness tracking bands? It was good fun for a couple months or so, especially seeing my sleep patterns (hint: chaotic). But gradually I found myself wearing it less and less.

Anybody here a long-time wearable tech user? How’s that been for you? Or if you’ve tried it and decided it 🤔

I feel ya! I was pretty skeptical about the whole wearable tech thing too. Initially felt a bit weird being plugged in all the time. But gotta admit, once I got myself an Apple Watch, it kinda grew on me. The fitness tracking and being able to leave my phone in the other room is nice. The data collection part does make me a bit edgy though, so I try to limit what info it collects. Just my two cents. Ultimately, think it comes down to personal comfort level and what you really want out of it. I say maybe give it a trial run and see how it feels?

Totally get where you’re coming from. I had the same feeling about always being ‘plugged in’. Used a FitBit for a while and it was handy for tracking workouts and sleep. But the constant data collection did get a bit much. Found myself obsessing over steps, calories, sleep hours… the list goes on. So I took a break, and ya know what? Felt pretty good not having every second of my day tracked. Even got an old school wristwatch. Crazy, huh? Bottom line, wearable tech can be great for specific needs but it ain’t for everyone. Like you said, all about what you’re comfy with. Just remember, tech is here to serve us, not the other way round. Cheers!

Hey, totally relate to the whole ‘plugged in’ thing. Had a similar experience with my fitness tracker too. It’s like this constant pressure, right? Had to ditch mine for a bit and it felt great, though I did miss the sleep tracking. Eventually made peace with using it only when I need it. Guess it’s all about striking that balance and not letting the tech dictate your life. Oh, and props for going back to an old school wristwatch - feels good to disconnect sometimes!

I totally get where you’re coming from! That feeling of being ‘plugged in’ can become too real and overwhelming sometimes. I had a run-in with my smartwatch, felt like I was handcuffed to it, you know? Made a choice and ditched it during a camping trip last summer and honestly, it was liberating! But like you, I missed some of the features, especially the ones related to health and sleep tracking.

Think it’s super important to remember that tech is here to facilitate, not control our lives, right? Use it to your advantage but don’t let it become a leash. And yeah, nothing beats the good old wristwatch. Such a classic! Cheers to keeping a healthy balance between the smart and the simple.

Absolutely get you, mate. Felt the same with my fitness band a few months back. Every few mins, it would buzz and boom! Another bout of anxiety. But I did find a middle ground though. Turned off all notifications except for calls, so now it is more like a sleek digital watch which also tracks my run. Might work for you too if you’re missing the health features. And yup, nothing beats the charm of an old school wristwatch. Proper balance, that’s the key! Just my 2 cents.

Fitness bands can indeed be a double-edged sword, all those constant nudges sure can crank up the anxiety. I had a similar experience with mine. Loved the idea of tracking my steps but those relentless reminders for me to ‘breathe’ drove me nuts. Like, mate, I’d be just chilling and there it goes with its ’don’t forget to breathe’ alert. As if I’d just stop breathing without its reminder, right? But yeah, figured out the same trick - just cut down on the notifications. Now it’s more of a fancy pedometer for me. Stick with what works for ya, I reckon. Fitness should bring joy, not stress!

I feel ya! On some days, my smartwatch can feel like an annoying personal trainer. It’s great for keeping track of your progress, but sometimes, it’s a bit too much to remind you to breathe every once a while. But hey, don’t let it stress you out. You can always customize the alerts, just like what you did. And honestly, who wouldn’t appreciate a fancy pedometer, am I right? As long as it still helps with your fitness goals, it’s cool. Besides, we got to accept it, wearable tech’s here to stay. Might as well make the best out of it. Just keep doing what works for you!

Totally get what you’re saying about that ‘annoying personal trainer’ vibe! Some days I just wanna tell my smartwatch to mind its own business, you know? Ha! But I agree, it has its upsides too. It’s like having a mini health-check right at your wrist! And isn’t it funny how we’ve come to rely on a device to remind us to breathe? Peak 2021, for sure! So yeah, the alerts can be a bit too much, but personally, I’d rather have my watch reminding me than forgetting about my physical well-being entirely. Here’s to finding that perfect balance!

You’re spot on! Some days I feel the same about my fitness band - like it’s all up in my business telling me to get up and walk around or drink water. But then, I also kinda appreciate those nags, especially when I’m lost in work and forget basic things. And yeah, it’s a bit goofy how reliant we’ve become on these little gadgets to remind us to do such simple tasks. Wonder what’s next on the horizon for 2022? Perhaps earpieces reminding us to blink or something? Haha! But like you said, hoping we all find that perfect balance with tech and self-care.