Provoking health: could digital health be otherwise?
Type
conference paper
Date Issued
2021-08-20
Author(s)
Abstract
In the digital era, humans are algorithmically provoked to be healthy on a regular basis.
Think of smart watches reminding their users to take more steps to achieve a set daily goal,
or dietary tracking apps incentivising users to choose a less sugary item over a favourite
food brand. In this presentation I ask how STS researchers can provoke and intervene in the
making and use of dietary monitoring devices and apps, but also what STS researchers can
learn about provocation from ethnographically studying these devices and apps, including
their development and use. To do so, I draw on an on-going interdisciplinary research study,
FoodCoach, in which a team of Korean and Swiss computer scientists, information studies
and STS researchers collaboratively develop a dietary tracking app. As part of the project a
team of STS researchers studies users and non-users of the app prototype and explores the
societal implications of digital receipt-based diet monitoring and interventions. I conclude by
reflecting on the power of the app’s non-users – the ultimate provocation?!
Think of smart watches reminding their users to take more steps to achieve a set daily goal,
or dietary tracking apps incentivising users to choose a less sugary item over a favourite
food brand. In this presentation I ask how STS researchers can provoke and intervene in the
making and use of dietary monitoring devices and apps, but also what STS researchers can
learn about provocation from ethnographically studying these devices and apps, including
their development and use. To do so, I draw on an on-going interdisciplinary research study,
FoodCoach, in which a team of Korean and Swiss computer scientists, information studies
and STS researchers collaboratively develop a dietary tracking app. As part of the project a
team of STS researchers studies users and non-users of the app prototype and explores the
societal implications of digital receipt-based diet monitoring and interventions. I conclude by
reflecting on the power of the app’s non-users – the ultimate provocation?!
Language
English
Keywords
dietary tracking
digital health
Science and Technology Studies
HSG Classification
contribution to scientific community
Event Title
Provocation. STS after Woolgar
Event Location
Linköping University, Nörrkoping S
Event Date
18 - 20 August 2021
Subject(s)
Eprints ID
264015