Doing Things with Numbers: The Quantified Self and the Gamification of Health

Software applications are changing our relationship with health. Individuals who intensively self-track their activities and physiological states, the so-called “Quantified Selfers”, think that a data-driven life can enhance their health status. Indeed, recent research has demonstrated the effective utility of some of these devices. In addition, “gamification” – that is the use of game design elements in non-game contexts – can serve to increase individuals’ health. Gamification facilitates and supports our pursuit of goals and appears to enhance performance. However, while apps seem to support health, there are some risks to be considered: quantification and gamification can foster a neoliberal idea of health as a personal responsibility, bracketing the fundamental role played by social determinants in shaping health status. Moreover, some health insurance companies are rewarding individuals who agree to share their self-tracking data with them. The risk is that what is an individual option today may become a social constraint or requirement tomorrow.