More than counting steps: Identifying types of self-tracking usage among German young adults

Abstract

Self-tracking technologies have been regarded both very optimistic and very critical. However, these conclusions are often based on single application studies and lack empirical evidence on actual self-tracking usage. We set out to identify types of self-tracking usage based on users’ mobile media ensembles and their varying levels of engagement with the technology. Using latent class analysis, we empirically identified three types of self-tracking usage based on an online survey of a representative sample of N = 367 German self-trackers aged 18 to 30. Results indicate interactive intensive self-trackers spend more time physically active per week than feedback-oriented basic self-trackers and purist step counters. In addition, the injunctive norm-setting perception of algorithmic feedback is significantly higher for feedback-oriented basic self-trackers and interactive intensive self-trackers than purist step counters. Future research should be aware of these differences in young adults’ engagement with self-tracking of physical activity and integrate them into empirical research, especially when aiming to assess the effects of self-tracking.