Horizon Season 2013 Episode 11 Monitor Me

In Horizon season 2013 episode 11, titled "Monitor Me," the show delves into the world of self-tracking and personal health monitoring. With the rise of wearable technology and health apps, many people are now able to track various aspects of their lives, including their physical activity, sleep patterns, and food intake.

The episode explores the benefits and pitfalls of self-monitoring, as well as the ethical implications of sharing personal data with companies and healthcare providers. It features interviews with a range of experts, including researchers, doctors, and individuals who have been using self-tracking technology for years.

One of the main themes of the episode is the potential for self-monitoring to help people make positive changes in their lives. By tracking their physical activity, for example, people can see how much they are really exercising and set goals to increase their activity levels. Similarly, by tracking their sleep patterns, they may be able to identify habits that could be contributing to poor sleep and make changes to improve their overall health.

However, the episode also highlights some of the potential pitfalls of self-monitoring. For example, some people may become obsessed with tracking their data to the point of developing anxiety or disordered behavior. There are also concerns around data privacy and security, as personal information can be vulnerable to hacking or misuse.

Throughout the episode, viewers are given a glimpse into the lives of individuals who have been using self-tracking technology to manage chronic conditions or achieve wellness goals. One man, for example, has been using a heart-rate monitor to track his heart rhythms in order to manage his atrial fibrillation. Another woman has been tracking her food intake and exercise habits in order to lose weight and improve her overall health.

The episode also discusses the potential for self-monitoring to revolutionize the healthcare industry. By collecting and analyzing large amounts of data from individual patients, healthcare providers may be able to identify patterns and develop more personalized treatment plans.

However, the episode notes that there are also ethical concerns when it comes to sharing personal data with healthcare providers or insurance companies. For example, there may be risks of discrimination or unfair treatment based on personal health data.

Overall, "Monitor Me" provides an in-depth exploration of the world of self-tracking and personal health monitoring. By examining both the benefits and pitfalls of self-monitoring, the episode encourages viewers to consider their own relationship with technology and data privacy, while also highlighting the potential for self-monitoring to contribute to improved health and well-being.