Problem:
Describe your thoughts and insights on other ways your peer's issue and their inquiry-based question relate to, and are important to, society:
Why is the answer to their inquiry-based question important to society?
How can society benefit from it? Need Assignment Help?
My chosen STEM-related issue is the use of wearable technology in monitoring and improving mental health. These devices include smartwatches and fitness trackers that can measure heart rate, sleep patterns, physical activity, and stress indicators. My inquiry-based question is: How does the use of wearable technology affect mental health awareness and stress management in young adults? In this question, the independent variable is the use of wearable technology, and the dependent variable is changes in mental health outcomes such as stress levels, emotional awareness, and overall well-being.
Scientific inquiry and society have a strong connection because science often responds to social problems, while society influences what scientists choose to study. In recent years, mental health awareness has significantly increased due to rising stress levels among students and working adults. Because of this social concern, scientists and engineers are developing technology that can help track emotional and physical well-being in real time. Wearable devices use scientific research in biology, psychology, and computer science to detect patterns such as irregular sleep or elevated heart rate that may signal anxiety or depression. This shows how scientific inquiry is not separate from society, but instead is shaped by real-world issues people are facing.
Society may benefit greatly from this research because wearable technology has the potential to help people notice mental health problems earlier and take action before they worsen. For example, a smartwatch can alert a user when their stress level is high and suggest breathing exercises, movement, or relaxation techniques. This may reduce the stigma surrounding mental health by encouraging individuals to take control of their wellness in a private and proactive way. At the same time, this topic raises important concerns about data privacy and how personal health information is used and shared. Society must balance innovation with ethical responsibility to ensure that users' information remains protected. Overall, the relationship between scientific inquiry and society is clear in this topic because mental health needs are driving scientific development, and scientific research is shaping how society understands and manages emotional well-being.