Abstract
Purpose - This paper aims to fill this gap (infra, originality) by providing a conceptual framework for discussing "technologies of the self and other," by showing that, in most cases, self-tracking also involves othertracking. Design/methodology/approach - In so doing, we draw upon Foucault's "technologies of the self" and present-day literature on self-tracking technologies. We elaborate on two cases and practical domains to illustrate and discuss this mutual process: first, the quantified workplace; and second, quantification by wearables in a non-clinical and self-initiated context. Findings - The main conclusion is that these shapings are never (morally) neutral and have ethical implications, such as regarding "quantified otherness," a notion we propose to point at the risk that the other could become an object of examination and competition. Originality/value - Although there is ample literature on the quantified self, considerably less attention is given to how the relation with the other is being shaped by self-tracking technologies that allow data sharing (e.g. wearables or apps such as Strava or RunKeeper).
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 119-127 |
Number of pages | 9 |
Journal | Journal of Information, Communication and Ethics in Society |
Volume | 17 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 2019 |
Keywords
- Computer ethics
- Internet of Things
- Ethics of technology
- Quantified otherness
- Quantified selfhood
- Self-tracking technologies