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Self-tracking, background(s) and hermeneutics. a qualitative approach to quantification and datafication of activity

Juchniewicz, Natalia ORCID: 0000-0002-2686-9404 and Wieczorek, Michał ORCID: 0000-0003-3688-9684 (2022) Self-tracking, background(s) and hermeneutics. a qualitative approach to quantification and datafication of activity. Phenomenology and the Cognitive Sciences . ISSN 1568-7759

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Abstract

In this article, we address the case of self-tracking as a practice in which two meaningful backgrounds (physical world and technological infrastructure) play an important role as the spatial dimension of human practices. Using a (post)phenomenological approach, we show how quantification multiplies backgrounds, while at the same time generating data about the user. As a result, we can no longer speak of a unified background of human activity, but of multiple dimensions of this background, which, additionally, is perceived as having no pivotal role in the process, often being hidden, situated beyond human consciousness, or taken for granted. Consequently, the phenomenological experience of the background turns into a hermeneutic practice focused on the interpretation of representations and descriptions. By adopting a (post)phenomenological approach, we show the problems and limitations of quantification of human activities occurring in self-tracking and the theoretical problems associated with the scheme of human-technology relations.

Item Type:Article (Published)
Refereed:Yes
Uncontrolled Keywords:(post)phenomenology; self-tracking; background; hermeneutics; datafication; quantification;
Subjects:Humanities > Philosophy
DCU Faculties and Centres:DCU Faculties and Schools > Faculty of Humanities and Social Science > School of Theology, Philosophy, & Music
Publisher:Springer
Official URL:https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s11097-022-09821-x
Copyright Information:© 2022 The Authors.
Funders:European Commission: H2020 MSCA Grant Agreement No. 813497.
ID Code:27314
Deposited On:17 Jun 2022 14:18 by Michal Wieczorek . Last Modified 14 Mar 2023 15:56

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