FITBIT - Good or Bad

Fitbits, while generally safe, do pose some potential dangers, including burn hazards due to battery overheating, safety concerns for children, and potential for online predation. Additionally, some users have reported electric shocks from the device, and there are concerns about over-reliance on fitness tracker data and its potential impact on mental health. 

1. Burn Hazard:

• Fitbit smartwatches, particularly the Ionic and Sense/Versa 3 models, have been recalled or issued warnings due to the risk of battery overheating and potential burns. 

• In 2022, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced a $12.25 million settlement with Fitbit for failing to report the burn hazard with Ionic smartwatches. 

• Google has issued a notice to owners of Sense and Versa 3 watches, stating that some devices are at risk of battery overheating. 

  
  

2. Safety for Children:

• Fitbit devices, including the Fitbit Ace LTE, contain small parts and accessories that pose choking or strangulation hazards for children.

• It is recommended to keep Fitbit Ace LTE and its accessories out of reach of children under 7 years old. 

  
  

3. Online Predation:

• Fitbit's community features and direct messaging (DM) feature can create opportunities for online predators to connect with children.

• Children may be tricked into forming friendships with strangers online, which could lead to more personal communication and potentially dangerous situations. 

  
  

4. Other Potential Issues:

• Some users have reported experiencing electric shocks or tingling sensations while wearing their Fitbit. 

• Researchers have found that continuous use of fitness trackers can contribute to eating disorders and unhealthy relationships with food. 

• Over-reliance on fitness tracker data can lead to unrealistic expectations and negative self-talk. 

• Privacy concerns exist regarding the data collected by Fitbit and how it might be used. 

• While not a major health concern, fitness trackers do emit low-frequency waves that could potentially be harmful if the device is worn close to the head when sleeping. 

• Fitbit is also merging its user data with Google accounts, and users need to take action to preserve their data by February 2, 2026. 

EMF Exposure

Almost all of these fitness trackers use Bluetooth to wirelessly connect with smartphones. And since Bluetooth uses radiofrequency EMF for connection, it makes your tracking device a new source of EMF exposure.

One might argue that a fitness tracker doesn’t emit as much EMF as a cell phone or a WiFi router because of its insignificant size. And it’s true. But, the biggest risk with a device like a Fitbit is not the volume of EMF it emits but the minimal distance and prolonged usage of these wearables.

Since you wear these fitness trackers all day and even at night, your accumulated dose of EMF becomes large enough to trigger biological effects in your body. So, considering all these concerns, should you buy a fitness tracker?