Self-Determination in Wearable Fitness Technology: The Moderating Effect of Age

ABSTRACT

Applying self-determination theory, this study investigates how users’ tracking behaviors relate to self-determination in the use of smart wearables, which enhances their intrinsic motivation (i.e., enjoyment) to use the device across age groups. An online survey with 494 smartwatch users aged 18 to 76 shows that the frequency of fitness data tracking is positively related to competence, autonomy, and relatedness needs fulfillment; only need for autonomy is positively associated with enjoyment. Age moderates the mediating effect of autonomy on the relationship between tracking fitness data and enjoyment. The findings are discussed from theoretical and practical perspectives.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This study was funded by Nanyang Technological University Start-up grant of the second author.

Notes on contributors

Eun Hwa Jung

Eun Hwa Jung is an Assistant Professor in the School of Communication at Kookmin University, South Korea. Her research interests focus on the psychological effects of new media technologies on users’ perception across communication media such as social networking sites, robots, and smart wearables.

Hyunjin Kang

Hyunjin Kang is an Assistant Professor in the Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information at Nanyang Technological University, Singapore. Her research investigates effects of interactive communication technologies, ranging from websites to smart objects, on user behaviors and communication processes.