Threats and thrills: pregnancy apps, risk, and consumption

摘要: This article reports the findings of a critical discourse analysis pregnancy-related mobile software applications designed for smartphones (‘apps’). Drawing on detailed all such apps available in June 2015 two major global app stores Google Play and Apple App Store, we discuss how technologies configure pregnant embodiment distinct ways. The first (the ‘threats’ mode representation) portrays body as site risk requiring careful self-surveillance using to reduce potential harm women particularly their foetuses. second dominant representation (‘thrills’) constructs self-tracking more playful terms. developers use ludification strategies encourage social sharing details part emphasising enjoyable aspects pregnancy. Our found that both types endorse expectations around pregnancy behaviour reproduce heteronormative gendered ideals sexuality, parenthood, consumption. These are socio-cultural artefacts enacting bodies sites pleasure. In cases, users encouraged view an embodied close monitoring surveillance, display, performance.