I present my research on the emergence and use contraceptive self-tracking technologies in The Netherlands. I investigate the way online communities negotiate knowledge about self-tracking to prevent pregnancy and how (my) user activism aims to challenge the Dutch contraceptive care guideline.
Long abstract:
In this presentation I will provide a short overview of my research project on the emergence and use digital self-tracking technologies to prevent pregnancy in The Netherlands. The emergence and use of these technologies is controversial in The Netherlands and beyond. Using ethnographic methods, I investigate the way people use online communities to negotiate knowledge about self-tracking as a valid means to prevent pregnancy. I also explore how professionals providing contraceptive care in general practice are challenged by these new emerging technologies. Combining STS methods (e.g. following the existing evidence in guidelines) with ethnographic methods exploring the field enabled me to contest the Dutch medical guidelines in a scientific publication. With this publication, the activism in online communities has moved to the he professional sphere of general practitioners as well as in the sphere of public debates. STS methodology was particularly helpful in understanding the affective dimension of evidence for both people who use self-tracking as well as providers who warn against their use.