Decoding Smartwatch Use and Health Behaviors: How Motivation, Technology Readiness, and User-Engagement Shape Wearable Habits in Healthy Adults

The rise of wearable technology, especially smart sport watches (SSWs), has revolutionized how individuals track and improve their health and fitness. These devices provide not only real-time biometric data but also enhance the motivation for physical activity by integrating social and personal health goals. This review examines the work of Tenenbaum et al. (2025) on the psychological factors influencing SSW use, particularly focusing on technology readiness, motivation, and sensation-seeking. It incorporates findings from recent studies by Moye et al. (2022), Jamieson et al. (2024), Dong (2024), De Vries et al. (2025), Xu et al. (2025), Düking et al. (2024), and Siddika and Ellithorpe (2025). These studies, conducted on healthy (non-athlete) populations, collectively emphasize the significant role of psychological traits, perceptions of technology performance, emotional regulation, and ergonomic design in shaping SSW usage patterns. This article synthesizes their findings within the broader contexts of wearable electronics, health psychology, and user experience design, while proposing future directions for interdisciplinary research to optimize SSW adoption and long-term health benefits.