Published
May 30, 2023Page count
230 pagesISBN
978-1529210156Dimensions
234 x 156 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
May 30, 2023Page count
230 pagesISBN
978-1529210170Imprint
Bristol University PressPublished
May 30, 2023Page count
230 pagesISBN
978-1529210170Imprint
Bristol University Press
The Digital Health Self
This is a detailed analysis of how understanding of health management past, present and future has transformed in the digital age.
Since the mid-20th century, we have witnessed ‘healthy’ lifestyles being pushed as part of health promotion strategies, both via the state, and through health tracking tools, and narratives of wellness online. This marks a seismic shift from a public welfare state responsibility for health towards individualised practices of digital self-care. Today health has become representative of ‘lifestyle correction' which is performed on social media.
Putting the spotlight on neoliberalism and digital technology as pervasive tools that dictate wellness as a moral obligation, Rachael Kent critically analyses how users navigate relationships between self-tracking technologies, social media, and everyday health management.
“This book conceptualises what digital health means in people’s lives. It shows the complexities and ambivalences inherent in new digital subjectivities, and is a strong and original contribution.” Antoinette Mary Fage-Butler, Aarhus University
Rachael Kent is Lecturer of Digital Economy and Society in the Department of Digital Humanities at King’s College London, and Founder of tech-wellbeing consultancy Dr. Digital Health.
1. Transformations of Health in the Digital Society
2. Understanding Our Bodies through Datafication
3. Surveillance Cultures of the Digital Health Self
4. Discipline and Moralism of Our Health
5. Health ‘Disciples’: Technology ‘Addiction’ and Embodiment
6. Sharing ‘Healthiness’
7. Future Directions for the Digital Health Self
