Digital identity and the quantified-self

Digital identity on Strava is constructed through the repeated act of users uploading representations of their physical activities. The measurable and analysable aspect of a user's activity, defined through spatial and self-quantified data, is subjectively framed by written titles, descriptions, photos and the interaction between users.

I found this an interesting and reflective essay to research and write because it required me to consider my relationship with social media and my resistance to datafication:

• The physical, biological data exposed through activity tracking such as my location, weight and heart rate might be seen as ultimately personal data.
• The details I choose to expose when describing an activity perhaps declare more about me – such as how I felt or what photos I choose to attach.
• The surrounding metadata identified by Strava exposes information about who I am and where I ride – such as who I rode with, who 'liked' the activity or where I started and finished the ride.

Despite my awareness that exposing this personal data can be capitalised by Strava, I rationalise that the service is of high enough valuable for me to share my data.