You Are Your Data: Self-Tracking Practices and Concepts of Data
Lifelogging: Theoretical Approaches and Case Studies about Self-tracking (provisional title), edited by Stefan Selke, Springer, Forthcoming
18 Pages Posted: 7 Dec 2014
Date Written: December 4, 2014
Abstract
In this chapter I examine the concepts and uses of data as they are expressed in representations of self-tracking (otherwise known as life logging, the quantified self or personal informatics).Self-tracking is not only a technology of the self, but it is also a data practice. Self-tracking may be further conceptualised as a data practice that produces data assemblages. Most recently and noticeably, detailed quantifiable data has become valorised above other forms of information about one’s life, health and wellbeing. I will discuss the valorisation of quantification as a self-tracking data practice, but I also go on to examine alternative data practices with which some people are experimenting as part of self-tracking strategies.
Keywords: self-tracking,quantified self, life logging, sociology, data practices, critical data studies, digital technologies
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation
Do you have a job opening that you would like to promote on SSRN?
