The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Wearable Technology

It feels as though wearable technology has been around forever. In actuality, it’s only been in the last few years that wearable tech has really taken off.

Wearable technology, also known as tech togs, is clothing and/or accessories that contain integrated technology. 

This can be everything from fitness trackers to smart glasses and even jewelry.

The point of wearable tech is to be able to seamlessly integrate technology into our everyday lives.

While wearable tech has a lot of advantages, there are also some disadvantages that are worth considering.

In this article, we’ll take a look at both the good and the bad of wearable technology.

Advantages

1. Wearable technology is perfect for people who are always on the go

As each day, week and month passes by, we are becoming more and more reliant on technology.

For many of us, our smartphones have become an extension of our arms. They’re the first thing we reach for in the morning and the last thing we check at night.

Wearable technology takes this one step further by allowing us to have access to technology without having to fumble around in our pockets or bags for our phones.

Whether you’re a busy mom who needs to be able to check her email while she’s chasing after her kids or a fitness enthusiast who wants to track their progress, wearable tech has you covered.

2. Increased productivity and efficiency at work

This point could quite easily be at the top of the list as it’s one of the main reasons that many people decide to invest in wearable technology. In our fast-paced society, we are constantly looking for ways to increase our productivity and efficiency both at work and in our personal lives.

Wearable tech can help us to achieve this by allowing us to stay connected even when we’re on the go. For example, if you’re a salesperson who is constantly out meeting clients, you can easily stay on top of your email correspondence with a smartwatch.

3. More efficient workouts

Who doesn't want a more efficient workout? If you’re someone who loves to hit the gym or go for a run, then you know that even a few extra minutes can make a big difference.

Wearable technology can help you to get the most out of your workout by tracking your progress and giving you real-time feedback.

This is especially useful for people who are training for a specific event or trying to reach a fitness goal.

4. Better sleep quality

One of the lesser-known benefits of fitness tracking is that it can also help you to sleep better at night. Many fitness trackers have the ability to track your sleep patterns.

This information can be extremely helpful in identifying any potential issues that may be affecting your sleep quality.

Wearable technology can also help you to wake up more refreshed in the morning by using a gentle vibration to wake you up at just the right time.

5. Improved safety

This is especially true for people who live an active lifestyle or who enjoy spending time outdoors. There are now many different types of wearable technology that are specifically designed for safety.

For example, there are smart watches that can automatically call for help if they detect that you’ve been in an accident.

There are also GPS tracking devices that can be worn by children or elderly family members to make sure they always know where they are.

6. Provides instant access to information

In a world of instant gratification, we want information and we want it now.

Wearable technology gives us the ability to have access to the information we need without having to go through the hassle of taking out our phones or laptops.

For example, if you’re in a meeting and you need to look up a quick fact, you can easily do so with a smartwatch. Or, if you’re out for a run and want to know your current pace, you can easily check your fitness tracker.

Disadvantages

7. They can be expensive

These devices aren't for the faint of heart or those who are on a tight budget.

The cost of wearable technology can range from a few hundred pounds to several thousand, depending on the features and brand.

8. They require frequent charging

Yeah we know, cue the world's smallest violin. One of the biggest complaints about wearable technology is that they require frequent charging.

This can be a real pain, especially if you’re using your device for something like tracking your sleep patterns or monitoring your heart rate during a workout.

9. They can be bulky and uncomfortable

Another downside to wearable technology is that some devices can be bulky and uncomfortable to wear. This is often the case with fitness trackers that need to be worn around your wrist or ankle.

Related: Why Your Fitness Tracker Might Actually Be Bad For You

10. They can be distracting

One of the common complaints about wearable technology is that it can be distracting. This is especially true for devices that allow you to access the internet or receive notifications. It can be very tempting to check your email or social media accounts when you’re supposed to be focusing on something else.

11. They may not be accurate

There's is a huge bugbear for those who like things to be just so, accurate. While most devices are pretty accurate, there have been some cases where people have found that their fitness tracker isn’t entirely accurate. This can be frustrating if you’re trying to reach a specific goal or improve your overall fitness level.

12. They can be difficult to operate

Not only is there a chance that these devices are inaccurate, they can also be difficult to operate. This is often the case with smartwatches and other devices that have a lot of features crammed into a small space. It can take some time to learn how to use all of the different features.

13. They can be intrusive

We have just gotten used to having our phones going off every 5 minutes, now we need to worry about our devices beeping and vibrating all day long. For some people, this can be extremely intrusive and distracting.

14. They can break easily

Depending on where this wearable is worn, it is susceptible to being damaged or broken.

Whether it's an active lifestyle or simple everyday wear and tear, these devices can break easily, and often at the most inopportune time.

15. They may not be compatible with your phone

If you purchase your generic wearable from a website like Amazon, there's a chance it may not be compatible with your phone.

In order for the device to work properly, it needs to be able to sync with your phone. If it can't, then it's essentially a glorified paperweight.

16. They may not have all the features you want

Just because a wearable is jam-packed full of interesting features, it doesn't necessarily mean it has everything you're looking for.

It's important to do your research before purchasing a device to make sure it has all the features you need. Otherwise, you may end up disappointed.