We live in the era of personal quantification, where every step, every heartbeat and every calorie is converted into data. Wearables, those devices that promise a healthier and more connected life, have become the star of this trend. Smart watches, activity bracelets, rings that monitor sleep... The market floods us with gadgets that record every detail of our body. But at what price?
The convenience and information offered by these devices are undeniable. Keeping track of our physical activity, monitoring the quality of our sleep or receiving heart rate notifications can be useful to improve our habits and, in some cases, even detect possible health problems. However, behind this façade of well-being lies a disturbing reality: the loss of privacy.
Every piece of data collected by these devices, from heart rate to GPS location, is stored and processed by the companies that manufacture them. And while they all claim to anonymize information, the reality is much more complex. A recent report by the Mozilla Foundation, titled «From Skin to Screen: Bodily Integrity in the Digital Age» sheds light on this dark secret.
The Report can be viewed at:
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The report reveals that, even though data is anonymized, there are mechanisms to regroup it using other parameters, such as location, purchasing habits or social networks. In this way, supposedly anonymous information can easily be linked to specific individuals. Can you imagine the implications?
This data, so intimate and sensitive, becomes a valuable commodity for companies. It can be sold to insurance companies, pharmaceutical companies, marketing companies and even employers. The consequences can be devastating: an increase in health insurance premiums, denial of a loan, job discrimination… And all without our knowledge or consent.
We are sold the idea that we need to constantly monitor our body, which is essential for our health. But do we really need to know our blood pressure at all times? Is it necessary to record every minute of sleep?
For the vast majority of people, a regular medical check-up is more than enough. We have been convinced that we need these devices, creating an artificial need to feed a multi-billion dollar market. It is estimated that by 2030, the wearables industry will reach a value of 500 billion dollars. Apple Watches currently have the lion's share of this market, but there are many other competitors. A profitable business, at the expense of our privacy.
The question we must ask ourselves is: who really benefits from this constant monitoring? Us, the users, or the companies that collect and market our data? The answer, unfortunately, seems obvious.
This is not about demonizing technology. Wearables can be useful in certain contexts, such as monitoring some patients with chronic diseases. But most of us do not need this constant surveillance. We have fallen into the trap of consumerism, buying devices we do not need and handing over our most sensitive data in exchange for a false sense of control and well-being.
It is time to be aware of the real price of "connectivity." It is time to ask ourselves if we are willing to sacrifice our privacy on the altar of technology. It is time to claim our right to privacy and bodily integrity in the digital age.
Personally, I prefer the peace of mind of knowing that my health data is safe, under my control. I prefer an annual medical check-up to the constant surveillance of a device. I prefer freedom to the illusion of control. How about you?
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