Sure, the smartwatch or fitness tracker is not for everyone - I would never consider someone a luddite for not wanting a smartwatch or even a smartphone. And tr

Sure, the smartwatch or fitness tracker is not for everyone - I would never consider someone a luddite for not wanting a smartwatch or even a smartphone. And true, for some people, the statistics/tracking does indeed descend into "a numbers-driven neurosis", but for others it's a great way to provide an incentive to remain active, even if it does feel like a cheap gamification trick. I don't buy this part though: “Why is that more embarrassing than endlessly looking at a phone?” my friends said when I complained. It’s a valid question, but after some contemplation I think the answer is simple: A phone is hand-held, and we are used to seeing people read things held in their hands. Like, say, books. But seeing somebody staring at her wrist (or merely sneaking a surreptitious glance at it) telegraphs something else entirely: (1) rudeness or (2) geekiness. The "rudeness" or "geekiness" aspect is entirely contextual. When you're meeting with someone face-to-face (for dinner, an interview, whatever), constantly glancing at your {watch, phone} is an indication you'd rather not be spending time with them or that there is something else more important on your mind. The exact device through which your inattention for someone else is conveyed is of less concern than the human behavior underlying the action.