Action of algorithms and the formation of a fitness bubble: the case of the digital coach

Abstract

Considering the intricate network surrounding a software that utilizes artificial intelligence to prescribe physical exercises, this study aims to analyze the formation of a fitness bubble and its potential ramifications. Drawing upon the Actor-Network Theory, we scrutinize the interplay between human and non-human actors within this milieu, with a particular focus on the sway of algorithms. Building upon the concept of a fitness bubble, we delve into how this tailored approach might lead users towards a predominantly exposure to content that reinforces their existing beliefs and behaviors. In delving into its possible outcomes, we shed light on the emergence of informational prediction, a stifling of creativity, and a invisibility of diversity. Consequently, our analysis underscores the challenges and ethical implications tied to both the inception and entrenchment within the fitness bubble, offering a critical examination of the potential costs associated with this phenomenon in the digital era.