Many people worry about smartwatches and wonder if they are safe to wear.
So, are smartwatches safe to wear? In short, yes.
Some worry about their health, while others worry about their privacy and security issues.
The signals generated by the device, such as Bluetooth, WiFi, and cellular, have links to health issues. The subject has been extensively studied, but no troubling conclusive proof exists.
Apps that contain sensitive information and lack sufficient security features are often the source of privacy concerns. This is valid, but the data on the devices is insignificant, which is worth remembering.
Another issue to be concerned about is physical safety, such as driving while distracted by a smartwatch. This is a common concern as new technology is implemented. But with any gadget, you must use caution when driving. In Some cases using an accessible wearable personal voice assistant could prevent further fiddling with your phone and help maintain focus on driving.
Table of Contents
- Concerns about smartwatches and our safety
- Concerns about smartwatches and data security
- The Benefits of Wearable Technology
- 1. They don’t just tell you the time
- 2. A travel companion on your wrist
- 3. Finding your phone is now much simpler
- 4. They’re a good fitness tracker
- 5. Respond to texts and phone calls as soon as possible.
- 6. Go over your social media
- 7. When you participate in events, you are also related
- 8. It’ll outlast your phone
- 9. Entertainment
- 10. Organise your life
- So, are smartwatches safe to wear?
Concerns about smartwatches and our safety
Radiation
Wearables, including smartwatches and fitness trackers, use radio frequency transmitters to connect with other devices or networks. Wearables that use WiFi, Bluetooth, or cellulr/4G, such as smartphones, emit radiation and must meet FCC safety standards.
Wireless gadgets, such as smartwatches, emit electromagnetic radiation, which is included in the electromagnetic spectrum. Visible light, microwave radiation, ultraviolet radiation, and x-rays are all examples of this. Photons with different energies may be thought of as electromagnetic radiation. The shorter the wavelength, the more energy per photon is borne.
DNA mutations will only happen if the signal carries enough energy, which only gamma-ray, X-ray, and UV photons do. This is the well-established process by which radiation increases cancer risk. Radiation is emitted by smartwatches, smartphones, and other portable devices, but it is insufficient to alter DNA.
Ultimately, we have nothing to be concerned about, according to the FDA.
What do the studies say?
Over the last 15 years, hundreds of studies have been conducted to study the biological effects of radiofrequency energy emitted by cell phones. Some researchers have reported biological changes linked to RF energy, but these studies haven’t been repeated. Most published research has failed to show a connection between cell phone radiofrequency exposure and health issues.
There has been scaremongering in the media, due to studies suggesting that WiFi or cell phone signals are unsafe. Still, as the FDA says, the evidence underlying those studies has not been checked, and the opinion in the confirmed studies is the opposite. In fact, health worries that aren’t backed up with credible evidence can be dangerous.
Other health concerns
It’s a genuine worry that smartwatches endanger drivers. That may be the case if the driver is more concerned with alerts on their smartwatch than with the road. Obviously, it’s never a good idea to text on your phone or read messages on your smartwatch while driving.
As a result, please exercise caution when using your smart devices in traffic or performing other activities that need your full attention. Smartwatches, when used properly, are no more risky than smartphones, in our opinion.
In fact, there are several smartwatches that can save a person’s life. SOS functions are available on some devices, namely the Apple Watch Series 6 and most newer Garmins being released.
Another consideration is the heart rate and blood pressure tracking and evaluation features, which can be used to detect possible heart-related diseases early on.
Let’s not forget that smartwatches are now starting to consider our mental wellbeing, too. Some can pick up on rising stress levels and offer us management tools and/or prompt us to take a moment for a breathing or meditation exercise. New blood pressure watches could even track and monitor your blood pressure on the go. Fall detection is a feature that integrated into most high-end smartwatches like the Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 and Apple Watch 6 and Apple Watch 7.
Concerns about smartwatches and data security
Is it necessary to worry about being watched? Only if that person has a compelling reason to spy on you. Realistically, your average cybercriminal is likely searching for easy prey and has little to lose.
Since smartwatches are storing more data, brands like Samsung are proactively working to protect them in the same way that smartphones are, with security features such as passcodes and being able to remotely wipe the device.
Recent reports, such as one by TechBeacon, regarding tests on multiple smartwatch brands report that all of them have certain vulnerabilities, even though they do not actually amount to a significant privacy breach. However, more attention should be paid to this. If consumers do not expect security features, manufacturers may not devote enough time to them.
The Benefits of Wearable Technology
If this has calmed your nerves, you may be interested in learning more about the health benefits of smartwatches.
1. They don’t just tell you the time
Watches have become less popular as smartphones have become more common. When your smartphone tells the time, has a calendar, and an alarm clock, who needs a watch? It’s an excellent point, and it helps to understand why watch sales have been declining in recent years.
Smartwatches, on the other hand, break the mold by offering something special. They have all of the features of a traditional watch, but they still do things that smartphones can’t.
2. A travel companion on your wrist
When following instructions, the Apple Watch 6, for example, will vibrate your wrist to signal if you should turn right or left. Instead of looking at your phone all the time, you can follow an invisible map that directs you where you need to go. Look up and take in the scenery instead of staring at a map.
3. Finding your phone is now much simpler
Losing a phone, as you are well aware, is a very stressful experience. A “Find Phone” functionality is available on the majority of smartwatches now. You can connect it to your phone or another device and have it ring from your watch whenever you want.
4. They’re a good fitness tracker
Many smartwatches have fitness tracking features. It will help you in achieving your fitness goals. If you’re considering purchasing a fitness tracker, a decent smartwatch will suffice.
What functions does a smartwatch have? It can track steps, distance, calories, heart rate, pulse rate, and sleep, among other things, and some also go above and beyond to track other important metrics.
Garmin watches are especially good fitness devices, but since technology is much less costly to manufacture these days, most fitness watches have fitness tracking features.
There are also completely waterproof models available, which are suitable for swimmers.
5. Respond to texts and phone calls as soon as possible.
Wearing a smartwatch eliminates the need to take your phone out of your pocket. When you’re on the go, you’ll be able to take calls and respond to messages. If you’re exercising or in a situation where carrying a phone is just too inconvenient, this is especially useful.
6. Go over your social media
Who doesn’t want to see their social media updates on their wrist? Some watches only display your messages and social media activity, while others allow you to communicate with the app.
7. When you participate in events, you are also related
While running, biking, swimming, or doing some form of exercise, you might want to check your messages, calls, or updates. It’s not always possible to bring your phone with you when performing these activities, and even when you do, it’s inconvenient and distracting. A smartwatch will help in this situation.
Waterproof smartwatches are finally here too, so even if you’re submerged in water, you can still scroll!
8. It’ll outlast your phone
You may be wondering why you’d need a smartwatch if you already own a capable smartphone. Well, because certain smartwatches have batteries that are so powerful that a smartphone cannot compete.
9. Entertainment
Listen to music when on the move or play games! Of course, the small screen won’t replace your smartphone, but it is unsurpassed in terms of convenience.
The most recent models, such as the Garmin Vivoactive 4, can store music, which can then be listened to wirelessly through Bluetooth headphones.
10. Organise your life
A lot of smartwatches have things like timers, reminders, and calendars. So you can keep on top of all your important events without having to get your smartphone or laptop out!
So, are smartwatches safe to wear?
I’m sure you’re almost sold if you’ve never had a smartwatch. If you like versatility and ease of use, nothing beats a smartwatch for keeping you connected and on top of your health and fitness.
If you’re convinced of the advantages, we suggest looking into which smartwatch is best for you. The best isn’t always the best fit for everybody. Rather, look up your OS (operating system), go over the specifications, and choose your favorite.
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Last Updated on September 25, 2022
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