Tracking devices as extensions of the mind
Xenia Schmidli
Journal of the Philosophy of Sport November 20, 2025 DOI: 10.1080/00948705.2025.2580454 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that wearable activity-tracking devices can be conceived as extensions of the mind in the sense of Clark and Chalmers's extended mind theory, and that these devices can play a substantial role in users' belief systems, thereby influencing their self-knowledge. |
Abstract
ABSTRACT This paper explores the possibilities of extension of the human being through technologies like wearable devices that are used to track physical activity. The goal is to give a possible conceptual framework to help analyse the relationship between human user and tracking device. The paper thus follows the extended mind theory according to Clark & Chalmers, and argues that tracking devices can be conceived as extensions of the mind. In this process, it will be shown how tracking devices can play a substantial role in users’ belief systems and thus influence their self-knowledge. This argument serves as a stepping stone for more research to be conducted on the human self and its interaction with digital technology.