Fitness Apps May Be Doing More Harm than Good

Millions of people open fitness apps each day to stay motivated and reach their health goals. But a new study suggests these apps might have the opposite effect.

Researchers from University College London and Loughborough University studied nearly 14,000 negative posts on X (formerly Twitter) about the five most popular fitness apps.

Instead of feeling motivated, many users said they felt confused, angry, or even ashamed because of how the apps set and tracked their goals. What was meant to help people live healthier lives often left them feeling badly about themselves.

The researchers explained their findings using "self-determination theory," which says motivation depends on three things: autonomy (feeling in control), competence (feeling able to do something), and relatedness (feeling connected to other people).

Fitness apps, they found, often weaken all three.

Many apps reduce autonomy by setting automatic goals, such as calorie limits or weight-loss plans, without asking what feels right for users. Some people said the apps told them to eat far too little, while others noticed that goals didn't change for personal situations such as doing extra workouts.

Problems with the apps also hurt people's sense of competence. Users said their apps crashed, lost progress, or lost their streaks after missing just one day. Seeing their hard work disappear made them feel like failures, and many stopped trying altogether.

Finally, the study found that many users felt unsupported. The apps' reminders to post about their meals or warnings about certain foods often felt more like criticism than help, and instead of feeling encouraged, users felt judged.

The researchers said that fitness apps should be designed to support realistic goals. Instead of focusing on eating fewer calories and keeping perfect streaks, the apps should help people enjoy exercise, find balance and be kind to themselves.

Until that happens, the app that's supposed to motivate you might actually be the thing making you want to quit!

Source: https://eikaiwa.dmm.com/

Comprehension

What did the new study investigate?
How many negative posts did researchers examine?
Which social media platform were the posts taken from?
How did many users feel when using fitness apps?
What are the three needs mentioned in self-determination theory?
How do fitness apps reduce users’ sense of autonomy?
Why did some users feel less competent when using the apps?
What changes do the researchers suggest for future fitness app design?

Discussion

Do you use any fitness apps? Why or why not?
What motivates you to exercise or stay healthy?
Have you ever felt pressured by health or fitness technology?
Do you think apps should set goals for people, or should people choose their own goals?
How do you feel when you miss a day of exercise or break a streak?
What would make a fitness app more supportive or encouraging?
Why do you think some people feel judged by apps?
Is tracking calories or weight helpful or harmful? Explain your view.
How can technology make people feel more confident instead of stressed?
What is one healthy habit you want to build, and how could an app help you realistically?

Vocabulary

Motivated – feeling encouraged to do something.
Researchers – people who study and investigate topics.
Autonomy – being in control of your own choices.
Competence – feeling capable or able to do something well.
Streak – a record of doing something many days in a row.
Judged – feeling like someone is criticizing you.
Realistic – practical; possible in real life.
Criticism – saying something negative about someone or something.