From motivation to movement: How technology readiness and psychological profiles shape wearable tech use in students

Abstract

This article explores the psychological factors influencing the adoption of smart sport watches (SSWs) among students, focusing on technology readiness, motivation to exercise, and sensation seeking. With 315 participants, the study used validated psychometric tools to measure individual differences in technology attitudes and health behaviors. Results show that technology readiness—particularly optimism and innovativeness—significantly predicts SSW use, more so than intrinsic motivation to exercise or thrill-seeking tendencies. Users of SSWs exhibited higher integrated motivation when physically active, while sedentary users relied more on introjected motivation, suggesting different psychological profiles underpin device adoption. These insights are crucial for designing targeted interventions and technologies that resonate with students. By addressing psychological readiness, this work contributes to more inclusive digital health strategies aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially those promoting well-being, innovation, and equity. The findings have implications for education, healthcare, and digital inclusion policy, emphasizing the need for tailored, user-centered design and outreach to ensure equitable access to wearable health technologies.