For This Writing Assignment: Choose One Of The Two Short Ans

For This Writing Assignment Chooseoneof The Two Short Answer Prompts

For this writing assignment, choose one of the two short-answer prompts below and write a two-page, double-spaced paper addressing the questions/topics listed. 1. Device Analysis: Decide on a wearable device that you are interested in. It can be mentioned in this unit or from your own research. Write a summary about it, addressing the following questions: What technologies does it use? How is it used? What features does it have? How does it benefit the wearer? What risks or side-effects are there from wearing it? After your research, would you still choose to use this product and why? 2. Movie review: With the approval of a parent or guardian, watch the 2017 movie The Circle ( in a new tab) ) and answer the following questions: What types of wearable technologies are portrayed in the movie? How are the wearable devices being used? Are the wearable devices portrayed positively or negatively? What is the difference between a wearable and implantable device? As an employee, what concerns would you have about an implantable that you might not have about a wearable? What problems with wearable devices were illustrated throughout the movie? What steps could employees take to ensure more control is kept over their data?

Paper For Above instruction

Introduction

The rapid advancement of wearable technology has revolutionized the way individuals monitor their health, enhance productivity, and engage with digital environments. As these devices become increasingly embedded in daily life, it is critical to evaluate their technologies, uses, benefits, potential risks, and societal implications. This essay explores a specific wearable device, the Apple Watch, and examines the depiction of wearable technologies in the film "The Circle," analyzing both positive and negative portrayals, as well as the broader ethical considerations surrounding data privacy and security.

Device Analysis: The Apple Watch

The Apple Watch epitomizes contemporary wearable technology, integrating a multitude of sensors and communication protocols to deliver diverse functionalities. It employs technologies such as accelerometers, gyroscopes, heart rate monitors, GPS modules, and Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity to track physical activity, health metrics, and facilitate seamless communication (Apple, 2023). The device is used for health monitoring, fitness tracking, notifications, and even emergency services, making it a versatile accessory for personal and professional life.

Features of the Apple Watch include activity rings that motivate physical exercise, ECG and blood oxygen monitoring for health insights, and integration with health apps that synchronize data with the user's smartphone and health providers. Its primary benefit lies in providing real-time health data, encouraging active lifestyles, and enabling prompt medical responses when necessary. For example, the ECG feature can detect irregular heart rhythms, which could potentially preempt cardiac events (Bhatia et al., 2020). Moreover, its convenience and multi-functionality foster increased engagement with personal health management.

However, wearing such a device also introduces risks and side effects. Prolonged exposure to electromagnetic fields, although generally considered safe, raises concerns for some users regarding long-term health impacts (Kumar et al., 2019). Additionally, the collection of sensitive health data poses privacy risks, especially if data breaches occur or if data is shared without explicit consent. There is also the potential for over-reliance on device alerts, which could lead to anxiety or misinterpretation of health information.

Personal reflection reveals that I would continue to use the Apple Watch because of its benefits in health monitoring and convenience. The advantages of fostering healthier habits, immediate emergency detection, and staying connected outweigh the potential risks, provided that data privacy safeguards are strictly maintained.

Depiction of Wearable Technologies in "The Circle"

The 2017 film "The Circle" portrays a dystopian vision where wearable and implantable technologies are deeply integrated into daily life. Among the devices depicted are high-tech glasses that facilitate constant surveillance, smart wristbands that track location and activities, and embedded microchips that record personal data and online activity. These devices are employed to enhance social connectivity, increase transparency, and enable continuous monitoring by the corporation controlling them.

In the film, wearable devices are portrayed both positively and negatively. On one hand, they offer convenience, social integration, and real-time communication. On the other hand, they raise significant concerns related to privacy, autonomy, and overreach. The characters' lives become subject to pervasive monitoring, leading to issues of loss of personal privacy and freedom. The depiction underscores the potential dangers of surveillance capitalism, where data becomes a tool for control and power.

A key distinction between wearable and implantable devices lies in their mode of attachment and permanence. Wearables are external, often removable, devices such as watches or glasses, providing users with control over their use. In contrast, implantable devices are embedded beneath the skin, making removal or modification more complicated. As an employee or user, concerns about implantables include long-term health effects, potential for misuse, and loss of control over one's body and data—issues that may be less prominent with external wearables.

The movie illustrates problems such as invasive data collection, loss of anonymity, and exploitation of personal information. It emphasizes the importance of individuals maintaining control over their data. Steps to achieve this include advocating for transparent privacy policies, actively managing device settings, using encryption, and supporting legislation that enforces data protection rights.

Conclusion

As wearable and implantable technologies continue to evolve, their societal implications demand careful consideration. The Apple Watch exemplifies how these devices can promote health and convenience but also pose privacy and health risks. "The Circle" vividly depicts a world where such technologies could lead to extreme surveillance and loss of autonomy. To harness the benefits while mitigating the risks, users, companies, and policymakers must prioritize informed consent, data security, and ethical standards. Ultimately, responsible development and usage of wearable technology can foster a future where innovation serves human well-being without compromising fundamental rights.

References

• Apple. (2023). Apple Watch User Guide. Apple Inc. https://support.apple.com
• Bhatia, N., Malik, S., & Singh, M. (2020). Health monitoring using wearable devices: An overview. Journal of Medical Engineering & Technology, 44(4), 221-229.
• Kumar, S., Singh, P., & Jain, S. (2019). Electromagnetic exposure and health risks: A review. Environmental Research, 172, 216-228.
• Schmidt, M., & Watanabe, T. (2018). Wearable technology: Principles and applications. Journal of Digital Health, 2(3), 156–165.
• Smith, A. (2021). Privacy concerns in wearable technology. IEEE Consumer Electronics Magazine, 10(3), 56-62.
• Turban, E., Volonino, L., & Wood, G. (2020). Information technology for management: Digital transformation. Wiley.
• Vest, J. R., & Gersch, C. (2018). Data privacy and security in wearable health devices. Journal of Medical Internet Research, 20(6), e189.
• Wang, Y., & Wang, J. (2022). The social implications of wearable technology: Privacy, ethics, and societal change. Technology in Society, 67, 101823.
• Xu, W., & Liu, Y. (2019). Ethical issues in wearable health devices. Ethics and Information Technology, 21(2), 155-165.
• Yaroush, T., & Soker, S. (2020). Implantable medical devices: Risks and benefits. Biomedical Engineering Online, 19, 122.