Description
Track 07 | Panel 04: Re-WorldingTechnology-Mediated Devotion: An Autoethnographic Exploration of Self-Tracking in Meditation
The intersection of technological, emotional and spiritual experiences forms a terrain awaiting thorough exploration. Recognizing the complexity of this connection becomes vital in an era where digital self-tracking technologies are seamlessly woven into our everyday lives. These tools not only capture our biological information but also play a role in shaping our perception and experience of the body.
People's interaction with data is not limited to cognitive understanding, but extends to sensory and emotional dimensions. In that sense, the interactive meaning of data is formed and verified in the specific context of use. Recently, more and more research has pointed out that people interact with personal data in different ways, and there is even an increasing discussion surrounding the negative impacts of digital self-tracking technology (Epstein et al., 2016; Ayobi et al., 2017; Figueiredo et al., 2018), and the notion about data ambivalence - “a term used to refer to the ambiguity and uncertainty that people experience when interpreting their own data, and to the critical obligation to promote ethically sound uses and responses to such data on a case-by-case basis” (Lomborg et al. al., 2018).
When it comes to technology-mediated experience, especially in meditation and religious practices, researchers and artists are always looking for new opportunities in this field. We can now easily find apps and concepts designed to increase mindfulness and present-moment awareness, as well as well-designed systems designed to support people in self-reflection and coping with emotions (Niksirat et al., 2017; La Delfa et al., 2019, Cochrane et al., 2021). Drawing inspiration from Boer's discussion of how technology mediates the relationship between subjective and objective bodies (De Boer, 2020), the core question driving this research, then, is: What insights emerge about subjective and objective aspects of the body when technology acts as a mediator for meditation or spiritual experiences? The aim is to uncover insights that may pave the way for innovative designs of interactive technologies supporting meditation as a devotional practice. Furthermore, this exploration seeks to understand the potential impact of such technologies on personal well-being, individual growth, and spiritual development.
This project adopts an autoethnographic research methodology that entails a thorough examination and analysis of personal experiences (Lucero, 2018). The objective is to gather data on the connection between self-tracking and the emotional dimensions of technology-mediated religious experiences. The equipment chosen for the project is the Muse 2 Headband—a device capable of real-time monitoring of heart rate, blood circulation, and EEG data. The Muse 2 Headband serves as a tool for self-understanding, offering insights into the intricate relationship between the physical and spiritual realms. Regular sessions of self-reflection and meditation unfold in both personal devotional practices and in specific “sacred” spaces such as home, private space and church buildings. The data will be collected intentionally, aiming to capture and record fluctuations in biological information during moments of spiritual engagement. The experience will also be documented through diary entries, providing a written narrative of the subjective meditation experience, thoughts, and emotions. The subsequent phase involves a detailed analysis of the gathered materials, seeking to uncover how technologies choreograph the intricate relationship between the subjective and objective body.
In the liminal space between technology and art, between the objective and the subjective, this exploration opens up a private spiritual journey where personal data becomes a medium for poetic expression and the body itself becomes an artistic presence. This research project offers a glimpse into a multifaceted exploration of the human experience, looking for connections between data, emotion, and spirituality in the context of self- tracking practices.
| Aikajakso | 2024 |
|---|---|
| Tapahtuman otsikko | Politics of the Machines: Lifelikeness & Beyond |
| Tapahtuman tyyppi | Conference |
| Sijainti | Aachen, Saksa, North Rhine-WestphaliaNäytä kartalla |
| Tunnustuksen arvo | International |