Can Wearable Devices Save Your Relationship?

In recent years, health-tracking wearables have become ubiquitous. What if we could use these devices to track the health of our romantic relationships and prevent conflicts?

By Hannah Thomasy
May 17, 2021 11:00 PM
holding hands wearable device showing a heart icon - shutterstock 692318383
(Credit: Jessica Dale/Shutterstock)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Wearables have revolutionized how we track our physical health; they let us effortlessly assess the steps we’ve walked, the miles we’ve biked, the hours we’ve slept, and how fast our hearts are beating. But in the future, wearables might also let us track — and improve — the health of our relationships.

By picking up on physiological factors like heart rate and sweatiness — as well as analyzing the tone and content of what people are saying — wearables equipped with the appropriate algorithms are making strides towards detecting what people are feeling and assessing interactions between romantic partners.

Relationship Health

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Recommendations From Our Store
Shop Now
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2023 Kalmbach Media Co.