Mobile health technology and empowerment

Mobile Health (m‐health) technologies, such as wearables, apps, and smartwatches, are increasingly viewed as tools for improving health and well‐being. In particular, such technologies are conceptualized as means for laypersons to master their own health, by becoming “engaged” and “empowered” “manag...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Bioethics Vol. 38; no. 6; pp. 481 - 490
Main Author: Kreitmair, Karola V.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: England Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01.07.2024
Subjects:
behavior
Behavior change
Behavior modification
Bioethics
Empowerment
Health
Health Behavior
Humans
Laypersons
Medical technology
mhealth
Mobile Applications
Power, Psychological
Telemedicine
Well being
empowerment
behavior
mhealth
ISSN:0269-9702, 1467-8519, 1467-8519
Online Access:Get full text
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Summary:Mobile Health (m‐health) technologies, such as wearables, apps, and smartwatches, are increasingly viewed as tools for improving health and well‐being. In particular, such technologies are conceptualized as means for laypersons to master their own health, by becoming “engaged” and “empowered” “managers” of their bodies and minds. One notion that is especially prevalent in the discussions around m‐health technology is that of empowerment. In this paper, I analyze the notion of empowerment at play in the m‐health arena, identifying five elements that are required for empowerment. These are (1) knowledge, (2) control, (3) responsibility, (4) the availability of good choices, and (5) healthy desires. I argue that at least sometimes, these features are not present in the use of these technologies. I then argue that instead of empowerment, it is plausible that m‐health technology merely facilitates a feeling of empowerment. I suggest this may be problematic, as it risks placing the burden of health and behavior change solely on the shoulders of individuals who may not be in a position to affect such change.
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ISSN:0269-9702
1467-8519
1467-8519
DOI:10.1111/bioe.13157