I ditched my Apple Watch in 2023. Sold it on vinted! Was absolutely done with it beeping or telling me to move when I was working and couldn’t. I’m much more active now, don’t count steps, don’t feel enslaved by tech which so many people are (of course I am still due to the phone) but I feel it’s coming. From socials it seems people are desperate to quit the corporate life, the rise of trad wives I believe is due to feeling unfulfilled and exhausted! (I’d never want to be one, I’m 40 with no kids and very happily married). I do see how people are exhausted with life, technology and want simpler lives. Simple, uncomplicated lives are sexy and will be for some time. Stressed, optimised and striving for corporate success are so unsexy now. We’re all knackered 😂
Could not agree more! I ditched my Apple watch when I left NY during covid because my walking decreased so much and it was making me feel bad, but I haven't missed it. Also, I'm so over all of the apps that are gamified and constantly putting pressure on to "keep your streak alive" etc etc.
I do love my Apple Watch - I can’t check my phone while I work so it’s useful to know I can get updates on my watch for anything family related. And I use it a lot to help me actually locate my phone… but I track my sleep by seeing how I feel in the morning!
During the first generation of the Apple Watch, I had the privilege of hearing Steve Wozniak speak. During the QA's someone asked if he was going to get one, and he was very adamant that he would not. It always stuck with me, and gave me a healthy amount of skepticism to being constantly available and plugged in. Having my phone is challenge enough.
I work in the health tech space and have been wondering if wearables like Oura might eventually take cue from the dumb phone movement, offering a more streamlined option that connects directly with providers rather than flooding users with data. There’s a fine line between health literacy and inundation, and I agree that we’ve reached the tipping point.
We’re even seeing smart earrings now (see healthtech startup Incora) for monitoring body temperature to track fertility and cycles. Scientifically, this checks out, given the need for a spot close to core body temp. But it makes me wonder: will these wearables eventually coalesce into one, and dumb down their user experience? I feel a Lord of the Rings metaphor coming on…
I worked at a private equity firm until 6 months ago and this was not my experience. I do agree with you, this trend will wane as it IS a form of digital submission that just isn't fun anymore.
I've never had an Apple watch or Oura ring - surely you can just feel it in your body if you've had a good nights' sleep?? I'm not sure I'll get rid of my step tracker though... it's a good reminder for me to get out and move when I've spent too long desk-bound.
I ditched my Apple Watch in 2023. Sold it on vinted! Was absolutely done with it beeping or telling me to move when I was working and couldn’t. I’m much more active now, don’t count steps, don’t feel enslaved by tech which so many people are (of course I am still due to the phone) but I feel it’s coming. From socials it seems people are desperate to quit the corporate life, the rise of trad wives I believe is due to feeling unfulfilled and exhausted! (I’d never want to be one, I’m 40 with no kids and very happily married). I do see how people are exhausted with life, technology and want simpler lives. Simple, uncomplicated lives are sexy and will be for some time. Stressed, optimised and striving for corporate success are so unsexy now. We’re all knackered 😂
Simple is sexy!!!
Could not agree more! I ditched my Apple watch when I left NY during covid because my walking decreased so much and it was making me feel bad, but I haven't missed it. Also, I'm so over all of the apps that are gamified and constantly putting pressure on to "keep your streak alive" etc etc.
When things that were meant to make us feel good actually make us feel bad!
I do love my Apple Watch - I can’t check my phone while I work so it’s useful to know I can get updates on my watch for anything family related. And I use it a lot to help me actually locate my phone… but I track my sleep by seeing how I feel in the morning!
During the first generation of the Apple Watch, I had the privilege of hearing Steve Wozniak speak. During the QA's someone asked if he was going to get one, and he was very adamant that he would not. It always stuck with me, and gave me a healthy amount of skepticism to being constantly available and plugged in. Having my phone is challenge enough.
Spot-on as usual, Beth.
I work in the health tech space and have been wondering if wearables like Oura might eventually take cue from the dumb phone movement, offering a more streamlined option that connects directly with providers rather than flooding users with data. There’s a fine line between health literacy and inundation, and I agree that we’ve reached the tipping point.
We’re even seeing smart earrings now (see healthtech startup Incora) for monitoring body temperature to track fertility and cycles. Scientifically, this checks out, given the need for a spot close to core body temp. But it makes me wonder: will these wearables eventually coalesce into one, and dumb down their user experience? I feel a Lord of the Rings metaphor coming on…
Men 35+ still confer status from wearing tracking devices. Signals longevity, health, virility
Nah loads of finance guys are chucking this stuff.
I worked at a private equity firm until 6 months ago and this was not my experience. I do agree with you, this trend will wane as it IS a form of digital submission that just isn't fun anymore.
Nope, not all of them
Depends on social circles - cliché corporate finance guy 'yes' versus Columbia Humanities professor, not as much.
I've never had an Apple watch or Oura ring - surely you can just feel it in your body if you've had a good nights' sleep?? I'm not sure I'll get rid of my step tracker though... it's a good reminder for me to get out and move when I've spent too long desk-bound.
Same and same. I only use my phone but I actually quite like those little graphs that show me what a sloth I am being today vs yesterday or last week!
I optimise for nothing. Just a planning calendar and that’s it. Highly recommend.
Iconic!