I know how wearable tech can become cool again: by ditching surveillance capitalism features and returning to its DIY-gadgetry roots

A new opinion piece from TechRadar is calling for wearable technology to return to its DIY roots by ditching "surveillance capitalism features." While the article focuses on making wearables "cool again" through simpler, more privacy-focused designs, this shift could have unexpected benefits for families concerned about electromagnetic field (EMF) exposure from constant wireless connectivity.

Less Connectivity Could Mean Lower EMF Exposure

The article suggests moving away from always-connected, data-harvesting features that have become standard in modern smartwatches and fitness trackers. For health-conscious parents, this philosophy aligns with a growing desire to reduce unnecessary wireless radiation exposure. Today's wearables typically maintain constant Bluetooth connections to smartphones and may include cellular radios, GPS, and WiFi—all of which emit radiofrequency EMF. A return to simpler, gadget-focused designs could mean devices that connect only when needed, or rely more on passive sensors rather than continuous wireless transmission.

What This Means for Your Family

If wearable manufacturers embrace this back-to-basics approach, we may see devices that prioritize function over constant data collection. This could result in products with fewer radios, airplane modes that actually disable all transmissions, or even options for wired data syncing—features that allow families to benefit from activity tracking without the 24/7 EMF exposure. Just as many homeowners are exploring solutions like EMF shielding paint to reduce wireless exposure in their homes, choosing lower-EMF wearables represents another way to minimize unnecessary radiation in daily life.

While it's important not to fall for scaremongering—and to understand the science behind common EMF myths—the principle of reducing exposure when convenient makes sense. If the tech industry does pivot toward privacy-respecting, less data-hungry wearables, families gain more options to balance technology benefits with their health values. The simplest way to reduce EMF from any device remains distance and duration: wearing devices only when needed and keeping them away from the body when possible.

Originally reported by TechRadar