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- Digital Pulse: how health trackers are changing the lives of Russians
Digital Pulse: how health trackers are changing the lives of Russians
Russians have begun to rely more and more on technologies belonging to the category of "Internet bodies". Smart watches and other health trackers have long become commonplace for many: last year, more than half of the citizens surveyed by VTSIOM used them. However, there are also those who avoid smart gadgets for fear of information leakage. How much you can trust smart watches and fitness bracelets is in the Izvestia article.
Fitness bracelets: benefit or harm
The VTsIOM Analytical Center presented the results of a survey of Russians on their attitude to the devices of the "Internet of bodies": fitness bracelets, smart watches and other gadgets that interact with information about the human body. Such trackers usually exchange data with the Network and other devices connected to the Internet.
The vast majority of Russian users surveyed by VTSIOM are aware of the existence of non-invasive (those that are worn on the body) and invasive (implantable) devices: 97 and 96%, respectively. This awareness, however, is rather speculative.: 49% of respondents could not give an example of such a gadget. The most famous devices of the "Internet of bodies" — fitness bracelets and smart watches - were mentioned by 34% of respondents. Another 30% recalled pacemakers.
Interestingly, although more than half of the respondents (55%) have used fitness trackers and smartwatches over the past year, many do not perceive these devices as part of the "Internet of bodies." The analytical center believes that a number of users perceive health trackers as autonomous smart accessories, without thinking about the fact that these gadgets transmit information about their owners' body condition and well-being to the cloud on a daily basis.
Overall, one in three Russians (36%) identified themselves as users of devices or applications for health monitoring, but only 31% of respondents consider themselves "active users."
Among the reasons why people choose such gadgets, the desire to increase physical activity or change habits is in the lead: 59% of respondents gave this answer. Citizens are also attracted by the opportunity to monitor their health status (57%) and improve their comfort in everyday life (54%). Another 42% of respondents (four out of ten) noted an interest in technology in general.
However, not everyone considers such devices to be safe. More than half of the respondents (60%) fear leakage of personal data, and 51% fear harm to health if the gadget fails.
Among those who do not use health trackers, more than a quarter (29%) cited data security reasons as the reason. And 15% expressed doubts about the reliability of the devices.
The most common reason for not using gadgets is the lack of need for or interest in devices. 59% of the respondents named such motives in total. There are also financial barriers, 29% of Russians reported them.
However, there are very few convinced opponents of the "Internet of bodies" devices — only 3% of respondents would not use such gadgets under any circumstances. All this indicates a positive attitude towards non-invasive devices that allow you to monitor your health.
Help, but not an alternative
The use of various gadgets for health monitoring is a current trend in the development of digital technologies in society. However, according to the accuracy of measurements and the safety of remotely transmitted data, it is necessary to divide all devices into two large groups: medical and non-medical, says Sergey Kazimov, Chief physician of the Diplomat Clinic Integrative Medicine Clinic, member of the Presidium of the Academy of Medical and Technical Sciences — the Eurasian Association of Medical and Environmental Technologies.
According to him, such devices are well known to people who are committed to a healthy lifestyle. The tracker software can calculate various integral health indicators based on formulas.
— However, strict measurement accuracy requirements are not imposed on non-medical gadgets. This means that this aspect remains on the conscience of manufacturers, and the indicators are just information for reflection," the doctor believes.
Endocrinologist and nutritionist Viktor Zhilyaev clarifies that in addition to smart watches, smart rings, mobile applications, and even implantable sensors can handle the task of scanning the body - all of them allow you to continuously monitor key health parameters.
— With their help, you can monitor your pulse, physical activity level, sleep, breathing, heart rate, and even take an ECG. All this makes it possible not only to monitor the current state, but also to notice deviations in time," says the specialist.
The accuracy of the information collected depends on the indicator and model of the gadget, the most reliable functions are counting steps and measuring heart rate. The margin of error in their case is less than 10-25%, says Viktor Zhilyaev.
— Sleep and energy consumption estimates are less accurate: devices often overestimate sleep duration and underestimate calorie content. Nevertheless, modern models of major brands have demonstrated high sensitivity (up to 100%) and specificity (up to 95%) in detecting arrhythmias. This makes them valuable screening tools, but not a substitute for a doctor," the Izvestia source emphasizes. Checking the state of health using smart gadgets is effective only as part of an integrated approach, he is convinced.
— Devices increase users' motivation to follow an activity plan by 30-50%: on average, people using gadgets take 1-2 thousand more steps every day. And reminders and data visualization help them form healthy habits," the endocrinologist points out.
However, without nutrition, sleep, and medical monitoring, technology will not solve health problems, Viktor Zhilyaev is sure. For people with chronic diseases, gadgets can be an addition to monitoring, but not a substitute for full-fledged diagnosis and treatment.
Security threat
Users' concerns about the possibility of personal data leakage from wearable devices are well-founded, according to Dmitry Meshavkin, product manager of Solar Dozor Group of companies. The information collected by such gadgets (from biometrics to geolocation) is of great value and may end up in compromised databases for a number of reasons.
These include vulnerabilities in the device's software or its applications, and data interception during transmission through unsecured channels.
"Finally, cloud storage itself periodically becomes a target for cyber attacks," the source reminds Izvestia.
A curious fact: 63% of users realize that their data is present on the Network and can be accessed by third parties, Dmitry Meshavkin notes.
Leaks depend primarily on the manufacturing company. Large corporations, unlike little-known manufacturers, are more likely to comply with data protection regulations, says Evgeny Dementov, senior information security specialist at Kryptonit.
Dementov is convinced that part of the responsibility lies with the end users. You need to limit the visibility of your data yourself if the service is designed like a social network.
At the same time, corporations can collect a huge amount of information about users, and the main goal is to personalize the ads they display. However, in order to comply with the laws and regulations of different countries, the user has the opportunity to limit the personalization of advertising, as well as send a request to completely delete the available information.
It is important to understand that data collection is an integral part of the operation of these devices and related services, Dmitry Meshavkin emphasizes.
"Gadget manufacturers and app developers do collect information about users within the framework of stated privacy policies to ensure that functions work and products improve," he points out.
As a rule, there is no malicious "surveillance" in this, but user data is still exposed to internal risks.
— This means that even if the corporation itself does not "monitor" you in a negative sense, your data may be compromised due to internal processes or a human factor within the developer company or service provider. The Russians' desire to know exactly how companies use their data is absolutely justified here, and this applies not only to direct use, but also to measures to protect this data from internal and external threats, the expert believes.
Personal responsibility
It is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of personal data leakage from modern gadgets, but anyone can reduce this probability, Dmitry Meshavkin emphasizes.
— Start by using complex and unique passwords, activate two-factor authentication. Update the software regularly. Carefully study the requested permissions and privacy settings," the Izvestia source recommends.
The basis of personal cybersecurity, according to the expert, is digital hygiene. It is necessary to constantly improve the level of digital literacy in order to consciously use modern technologies.
In addition, buyers should carefully consider choosing a gadget manufacturer, giving preference to companies that demonstrate a serious attitude to data protection, advises Meshavkin.
It is useful to find out whether gadget manufacturers are implementing DLP systems (leak prevention systems) and other information security solutions, and regularly install security updates from the manufacturer, advises Evgeny Dementov.
"Ultimately, data security depends not only on you, but also on the reliability of those you trust with it," the expert concludes.
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