The tyranny of Fitbit goals can create artificial happiness

DavidSedarisis hardly alone as a devotee of fitness tracking technology.You've likely seen more and more people sporting the colourful plastic bracelets that count each and every step throughout the day.

There areappsnow for smart phones, and smart watches, too.And 10,000steps has become the daily goal -- and mantra -- for many hoping to walk themselves to better health. Failing to make the big 10K steps per day is to admit defeat.

CatrineTudor-Lockeis at the forefront of walking research. She's a Professor and Chair of the Department ofKinesiologyat the University ofMassachussetsin Amherst.

Part of the allure of FitBits and other wearable devices is the way they can inspire and motivate you to go the extra mile.But when the extra mile becomes the twentiethor twenty-fifth mile,it may be time to sit and think about your fitness choices.

Andre Spicer is a Professor of Organisational Behaviour at Cass Business School at City University London. He is also the co-author of "The Wellness Syndrome." Wereached him today in Sydney Australia.

Are you a slave to your Fitbit, a step counter app, or another device?Does it motivate you or discourage you?

Tweet us @TheCurrentCBC, post on our Facebook page, or send us an email.

This segment was produced by Calgary Network Producer, Michael O'Halloran.