Americans Are Developing an Unhealthy Obsession with Health Tech

According to research from Reach3 Insights, 71% of Americans use health-related apps and 64% use health technology. No longer a niche interest, these devices are now a part of everyday life for the majority of people.

On the surface this seems like a great thing. Being mindful of your health is important, and getting insights from technology can help people be proactive about any potential issues.

What's concerning, however, is another finding from the research. People aren't just using these tools casually; they are obsessed with them. When they are unable to use this technology, it's been described as a blow to their peace of mind and overall routine. This causes stress, anxiety, and a loss of control.

Despite this, the appetite for more is growing. 88% of Americans want the same or more technology involved in health management over the next 5–10 years, suggesting the market has significant room to grow.

Holistic wearable use increased while ironically fitness wearable use decreased, signifying that people want to go beyond just steps and heart rate. Telehealth app use also decreased, which was to be expected post-pandemic. The more people rely on these devices, the more the quality of the data actually matters.

But the shame of it is that the accuracy of some wearable tech is dubious at best. However, if someone wakes up with a bad sleep score, it creates a self-fulfilling prophecy that they should feel tired even if they really don't.

The technology is great for accountability and staying on track, but for some it becomes a source of stress rather than just information. As with most things, the key is balance. Used mindfully, these tools can be genuinely empowering. But it's important to let these tools serve as a guide rather than dictate your life. Let the technology work for you, not the other way around.

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This story was originally published May 19, 2026 at 11:10 AM.