I don’t own an activity tracker band like a Fitbit, and probably never will.  Though they’ve been around for years, I’m just now starting to understand their popularity.  People are using them as motivation to be more active.  They want to do their 10,000 steps every day.  Some with health issues are benefiting from the devices’ readouts on heart rate and calories.

But tell me, why would a 12 year old need to wear one of these on her wrist?  A dear tween I know just pressured the folks into buying her one.  She wants to be able to “compete” with her friend who has a Fitbit.  If friendly competition will get them both walking and running and keeping active, I suppose that’s good.  We’ve all heard the problem of childhood obesity and we know many live very sedentary lifestyles.  But are these are thin, healthy, active girls.  Do they really need to be wearing this expensive "wearable technology?"

My guess is this is 2016s version of fashion peer pressure.    When I was that age I begged my mother to buy me a pair of designer jeans.  Remember this commercial with the roller skating models?  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=weIFwScd21Q

In any case, I’m wondering if the young people in YOUR life are wearing activity trackers or smart watches.  If not, how would you feel if they asked for one?

 

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