O impacto dos dispositivos wearables no comportamento do consumidor : como os fitness trackers e smartwatches influenciam os hábitos e as escolhas de estilo de vida
Year: 2026
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Wearable devices such as fitness trackers and smartwatches have become increasingly integrated into daily life, yet their actual impact on long-term behavioral change and habit formation remains incompletely understood. Therefore, this thesis explores how these technologies influence consumer motivation, behavioral patterns, and lifestyle choices, examining whether wearables drive genuine health transformation or merely facilitate short-term engagement. To address this aim, a two-phase approach was employed. First, a literature review of 50 sources established the theoretical foundation, examining behavior change frameworks including Self-Determination Theory, Feedback Loop Theory, the Technology Acceptance Model, and Commitment Device Theory. Second, a survey of 150 current wearable users gathered empirical data on usage patterns, motivations, and perceived behavioral impacts. The findings reveal that wearables facilitate gradual behavioral change primarily through heightened self-awareness rather than direct modification, with users maintaining engagement when devices support intrinsic motivations over extrinsic rewards. The study validates that wearables function as soft commitment devices, creating accountability without compromising autonomy. However, it also identifies critical misalignments: the industry's emphasis on gamification contradicts user needs, and practical barriers like battery life remain more significant obstacles than previously recognized. Finally, it is argued that effective wearable design must prioritize supporting user agency, provide actionable insights over data volume, and focus on refining core functionality to enable sustainable behavioral change across diverse populations.
Author: Ferreira, Guilherme Carvalho
Language: English
Subfield: Human-Computer Interaction
Field: Computer Science
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7221731638