Publications

Technologies of the self and other

Author(s)
Katleen Gabriels, Mark Coeckelbergh
Abstract

Purpose - This paper aims to fill this gap (infra, originality) by providing a conceptual framework for discussing "technologies of the self and other," by showing that, in most cases, self-tracking also involves othertracking. Design/methodology/approach - In so doing, we draw upon Foucault's "technologies of the self" and present-day literature on self-tracking technologies. We elaborate on two cases and practical domains to illustrate and discuss this mutual process: first, the quantified workplace; and second, quantification by wearables in a non-clinical and self-initiated context. Findings - The main conclusion is that these shapings are never (morally) neutral and have ethical implications, such as regarding "quantified otherness," a notion we propose to point at the risk that the other could become an object of examination and competition. Originality/value - Although there is ample literature on the quantified self, considerably less attention is given to how the relation with the other is being shaped by self-tracking technologies that allow data sharing (e.g. wearables or apps such as Strava or RunKeeper).

Organisation(s)
Department of Philosophy
External organisation(s)
Maastricht University (UM)
Journal
Journal of Information, Communication & Ethics in Society
Volume
17
Pages
119-127
No. of pages
9
ISSN
1477-996X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1108/JICES-12-2018-0094
Publication date
09-2019
Peer reviewed
Yes
Austrian Fields of Science 2012
603113 Philosophy
Keywords
ASJC Scopus subject areas
Communication, Philosophy, Computer Networks and Communications, Sociology and Political Science
Portal url
https://ucrisportal.univie.ac.at/en/publications/f2801dec-70c3-4cc8-a30b-2c0faf42545c