The Apple Watch is said to have many user benefits like tracking how many calories you burned or how far you ran, but is having a smartwatch necessary? We’re already connected to our smartphones and computers, constantly checking emails, social media notifications, missed calls and text messages. Glancing down at our smartphones makes it look like we are not paying attention to social interaction, but some say that the smartwatch might solve that dilemma.
CNN conducted research in order to figure out what is driving people to start using smartwatches. One participant found the watch as a way to look socially attentive while checking his notifications, while others found that using the watch helped save them time from digging out their phone from their pockets or purse. However, they also found that users would check their watch constantly, in which they called it the “phantom device effect.”
There is also some confusion on how to use the device, especially since everything is on such a small screen. “It’s a confusing collection of options, and using the watch isn’t as immediately intuitive as the iPhone,” Heather Kelly, a reporter for CNN Money, said. Matt Rosoff with Business Insider found the watch to be “a little bit fussy.” Geoffrey Fowler with The Wall Street Journal found the watch “annoying” says he is not sure how to filter the “unnecessary alerts.”
Obviously, we do need to look like we are more attentive when we’re secretly checking our emails and social media sites, but is it worth the confusion and eye strain? Also, do we need to be even more “plugged in” than we are? According to Business Insider, in 2013, we checked our phones 150 times a day. Can you imagine having a smartwatch? That number is only going to go higher, and most likely, we’ll probably develop more of an eye strain by using it.
