Self-tracking and gamification of physical activity : effects on wellbeing

Abstract

The use of physical activity trackers and gamification can have wide-ranging benefits, however, their effect on wellbeing has not yet been sufficiently examined in literature. Our study examines whether gamified and non-gamified self-tracking experiences create positive psychological responses that yield enhanced wellbeing. We gathered data on self-reported happiness and life satisfaction before and after a four-week self-tracking experience of physical activity, with and without the use of gamification. We measured the users’ emotional and cognitive responses and parsed out the effect of these psychological outcomes on the users’ subjective wellbeing. We found that users’ perceived usefulness of the experience was associated with an increase in the individuals’ life satisfaction, while enjoyment and interest were linked to an increase in the individuals’ happiness. Both gamified and non-gamified selftracking experiences evoked similar positive emotional and cognitive responses, yielding similar gains in wellbeing. Future research could explore long-term health and wellbeing impacts.