What is the Quantified Self Movement?

The Quantified Self (QS) movement, often referred to as “self-tracking” or “lifelogging,” is a trend that involves individuals collecting and analyzing data about their own behaviors, habits, and bodily functions to gain insights and make informed decisions about their personal lives. This movement promotes self-awareness and self-improvement by leveraging technology and data analysis.

The Quantified Self movement began around 2007, when Gary Wolf and Kevin Kelly, both editors at Wired magazine, coined the term. The idea quickly gained traction, leading to the first Quantified Self conference in 2011. Over the years, technological advancements, such as wearable devices and mobile applications, have made it easier for individuals to collect data on various aspects of their lives, such as sleep, exercise, nutrition, and mental health.

A common example of the Quantified Self movement is the use of wearable devices, like Fitbit or Apple Watch, to monitor daily activities, exercise, and sleep patterns. Users can track their steps, heart rate, and calories burned, allowing them to set goals, adjust their routines, and improve their overall health and well-being.

Check out the sites below to explore the Quantified Self movement further:

1. Quantified Self (https://quantifiedself.com): The movement’s official website, featuring articles, resources, and information on upcoming events and conferences.
2. Quantified Bob (https://www.quantifiedbob.com): A blog by Bob Troia, a well-known figure in the Quantified Self community, sharing his self-tracking experiments and insights.

By exploring these resources, you can learn more about the Quantified Self movement and how to use data to understand better and improve your life.