Assignment instructions

Using Technology to Monitor Nutrition Status and Physical Activity
50 points
Introduction
The number of mobile apps and other technologies to monitor nutrition status, physical activity
and other health-related indicators have increased steadily over the past ten-plus years. With
the wide-spread and regular use of smartphones and tablets, it’s easy to understand why
people turn to these apps and electronic technologies to help achieve their health, fitness and/or
dietary goals. Moreover, they provide an easy and convenient way for people to take charge of
their physical well-being while staying connected to their mobile devices and tablets.
So, does the ever-growing popularity of these apps and technologies mean they are doing what
they are designed to do? Are these popular devices and apps improving population health?
Are consumers being bamboozled or do these technologies facilitate long term behavior
change? Or do they mislead consumers by promoting conflicting messages and
misinformation?
Assignment Instructions
1. Gather background information.
Search for and read about the research that has been conducted to determine the usefulness,
validity, and implications of using the current technologies available to the average consumer to
monitor nutrition status, physical activity, and other health-related factors. Read the article below
which you can download from the course Canvas site or access online through UMN libraries:
https://www.lib.umn.edu, to help you get started:
• Samoggia A, Riedel B. Assessment of nutrition-focused mobile apps’ influence on
consumers’ healthy food behaviour and nutrition knowledge. Food Research
International. 2020;128:108766. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2019.108766
The references for your essay should be from peer reviewed journal articles or books (textbooks
are peer reviewed) or government websites. A great place to start your research is to review
the reference list used for the article above.
2. Prepare and write your essay.
The purpose of this writing assignment is to reflect on the effect that easily accessible and
popular health monitoring apps and technologies have on society. In this reflection paper, we
would like you to critically examine the potential positive and negative impacts that these
apps/technologies could have on society. When writing your essay, consider multiple
perspectives (e.g., technology developer, consumer/user, healthcare providers, and others that
may be affected.)
Your essay should include:
● An introduction that includes the background information you collected from your
research.
● Two positive effects that these apps/technologies may have on society. Consider and
discuss the health, social and economic implications of each.
● Two negative effects that these apps/technologies may have on society. Consider and
discuss the health, social and economic implications of each.
● A conclusion of your findings.
➜ Make sure all of your statements, insights and opinions are well supported
throughout the entire essay with correctly formatted in-text citations.
Additional instructions:
● Length and format: Essay length: 500-750 words (1 to 1 ½ pages single-spaced, 1-inch
margins) with in-text citations and a “Reference” section (ALL citations in AMA format).
Points will be deducted for incorrectly formatted citations.
● References: Along with the background article provided, support your
statements/opinions with AT LEAST THREE ADDITIONAL current sources (within the
past 7 years) from credible sources (peer-reviewed journal articles or books written by
researchers).