Self-quantification and consumer well-being: A meta-analytic review

Self-quantification technology is increasingly and irrevocably transforming consumers' relationships with their own minds and bodies. However, existing research findings on the contribution of self-quantification to consumer well-being are disparate. Given the popularity of self-quantification technology among consumers in the post-pandemic era and its inherent transformative nature, it is surprising that this gap remains unaddressed. To resolve this inconsistency and to examine how and when self-quantification influences consumer well-being, we conduct a meta-analysis of consumer well-being in the context of self-quantification technology. Our findings reveal that self-quantification positively influences consumer well-being. However, self-quantification also negatively affects consumer well-being through body image and self-esteem. The systematic moderation effects of cultural dimensions (e.g., uncertainty avoidance and individualism), prior experience, data sharing, and sample characteristics on the relationship between self-quantification and consumer well-being are also confirmed. While uncertainty avoidance, prior experience, and data sharing accentuate the positive effects of self-quantification on consumer well-being, an individualistic culture attenuates this influence. This study contributes to the consumer well-being literature and extends objectification theory in the context of self-quantification. These findings will guide practitioners and policymakers in devising strategies and policies to allow self-quantification technology to be used in a way that enhances consumers' health and well-being.