“If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands!
If you're happy and you know it, and you really want to show it;
If you're happy and you know it, clap your hands!”

My dear future kids and grandkids, I love you but I truly feel sorry for you! You would never sing this “Happy” song, you would never know if you are happy unless an app tells you that you are. This, my dear kids is the end of emotional evolution!

The whole world is going ga-ga over the new Happiness App. Although I haven't tried the app, I am just repulsed by the idea of a happiness app. Really, a happiness app? But why?

According to the developer blog post by Susan Holcomb, here’s why they designed the app. “Our motivation behind this project was to understand how our mood and energy levels fluctuated throughout the day. Was there a natural pattern or weekly cadence? Could we visualize our personalities based on these fluctuations? We also wanted to know how different environments, interactions, and activities impacted how we felt. Were we happiest with friends, colleagues, or family? Did we feel run-down during our daily commute? Did drinking coffee, water, or alcohol have a noticeable impact on our emotional stability?”

Noble thought, I must admit. In the fast paced world it’s important that we keep a tab on your lifestyle and fitness. But here’s what made my stomach turn upside down. “To answer these questions, we built a Pebble app that pops up throughout the day and asks you a few questions. First you rate your energy level and mood. Then you tell the app where you are, who you’re with, and what activities you’ve done in the last hour. These activities cover food and drink intake, exercise, commuting, meditation, meetings, socializing, and work. You can also add voice input over the microphone to add custom responses, for more detailed feedback.”

Are you kidding me? An app to ask me questions? “Good Morning Saumya. How do you feel today? Rate your energy level from a scale of 1 to 5.” Please shoot me in the head.

I appreciate technology (it’s a part of my job) and innovations are always interesting. But this one questions my ability of being human. Can we not comprehend our basic needs? Can we not understand that 6 pegs of whiskey can give us a hangover the next day? I believe we do.
I don’t want an app to ask me questions and at the end of the week give  me an ‘insightful analysis of my emotional well being”.

I wonder what could be the actual use of the app? How is it going to change the course of mankind? Will it help those patients with psychological or psychiatric problems? I wonder what tangible difference did it make to the life of Pebble employes who have tried and tested the app. Do you remember watching the Oscar nominated film “Her” starring Joaquin Phoenix? If you haven’t yet, please do.

You want happiness in life, then just starting living!

Read : Pebble Time Round: Perfect for Most Wrists

Tags : Pebble, Smartwatches