Exploring Plural Perspectives in Self-Tracking Technologies: Trust and Reflection in Self Tracking Practices

Abstract

Contemporary self-tracking technologies (STTs), such as smartwatches and smartphone apps, allow people to become self-aware through the datafication of their everyday lives. However, concerns are emerging over the global north/Western portrayal of the self in the envisionment of STTs. Given the call to diversify participant samples in HCI knowledge building, we see it timely in understanding the influence of ubiquitous STTs in global south societies. We conduct a between-group analysis of 156 and 121 participants from Global North and South through two iterative surveys, respectively. We uncover significant differences in perceived trust with their STTs and reflection practices between the groups. We provide an empirical understanding on advocating for inclusive design strategies that recognize diverse interpretations of STTs and highlight the need to prioritize local values and flexibility in tracking to foster deeper reflection across cultures. Lastly, we discuss our findings in relation to the existing literature and highlight design recommendations for future research.