The Quantified Self: Can Life Be Measured?
The 'quantified self' movement promises that life-logging and data-tracking can make us smarter. Frances Stonor Saunders asks whether by measuring what we do we miss who we are.
Self knowledge through numbers is the motto of the "quantified self" movement. Calories consumed, energy expended, work done, places visited or how you feel. By recording the data of your daily life online, the life-loggers claim, you get to know who you really are.
So far this type of self-tracking is the obsession of a geeky minority. But through our smartphones and social networking sites more and more of us being drawn into this world by stealth. Frances Stonor Saunders asks what it means for our ideas about privacy and sense of self.
Producer: Fiona Leach.
Last on
More episodes
Previous
Next
Broadcasts
- Mon 10 Jun 2013 20:30大象传媒 Radio 4
- Sun 16 Jun 2013 21:30大象传媒 Radio 4
Featured in...
Morning Commute
A selection of downloadable programmes, perfect for the morning commute
Lessons in Life
A selection of programmes looking at self-improvement.
13 surprising programmes from 2013
Discover interesting facts and remarkable discoveries in these gems from the past year.
The Best of Analysis: Gender and Identity
This collection of programmes explores ideas and issues regarding gender and identity.
The Best of Analysis: Society and Culture
This collection of Analysis programmes explores British society and culture.
Podcast
-
Analysis
Programme examining the ideas and forces which shape public policy in Britain and abroad.