Part 3 of the discussion transitions toward a forward-looking perspective, examining recommendations and future directions to promote a balanced and mindful approach in personal and societal settings.

Summary of Core Findings

Throughout the book, an examination of fitness technology has unveiled a complex dual influence on users’ mental health. Despite the motivational advantages provided by fitness technology, especially with its goal-setting and tracking functions, there are potential risks associated with its social comparison components, such as social physique anxiety. Through the establishment of a structured setting enabling users to establish, monitor, and accomplish individualized objectives, fitness technology has successfully corresponded with Self-Determination Theory (Deci & Ryan, 1985), emphasizing the significance of fulfilling psychological needs for competence, autonomy, and relatedness (Ryan & Deci, 2020). By engaging in self-monitoring and utilizing data-driven feedback, users enhance their physical self-concept, as evidenced by the positive relationship between technology usage and selfconcept (Marsh, 1996).

On the other hand, the incorporation of social comparison elements, like leaderboards, peer progress sharing, and social media integration, brings about a different psychological aspect. Social Comparison Theory (Festinger, 1954) provides understanding of this phenomenon by suggesting that individuals assess themselves by comparing with others, especially in areas lacking clear benchmarks (Crusius et al., 2022). Within the realm of fitness technology, this element may prompt users to critically assess themselves, particularly if they believe they are falling short of others’ accomplishments (Limone & Toto, 2022). This contrast frequently intensifies social physique anxiety, an emotional reaction to perceived evaluation of one's physical appearance, with numerous subjects in this research noting increased self-awareness when observing the advancement of others (Zartaloudi et al., 2023).