Biohacking: A thematic analysis of tweets to better understand how biohackers conceptualise their practices

doi:10.1101/2023.02.16.23286022

Paper

Biohacking: A thematic analysis of tweets to better understand how biohackers conceptualise their practices

Published Feb 23, 2023 · Qasim Rafiq, Lynsey Christie, Heather May Morgan

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Abstract

Biohacking, considered to include technology such as wearables, lifestyle changes and nutrition to allow one to optimise their health, is growing in popularity. However, the definition of and insights according to those involved in these practices remains elusive and unexplored. Technological advancements, including the internet, have given rise to globally connected communities and various health-related consumer technologies that measure health metrics from the comfort of ones own home. While health-related information sharing and technology-assisted health tracking may appear beneficial, it also affords many opportunities for harm through the spread of misinformation and the use of potentially inaccurate devices. Adopting a qualitative approach using thematic analysis, this study focused on identifying the practices and topics discussed publicly on the Twitter social media associated with the hashtags #biohacking and #biohacker. The main topics were physical fitness, nutrition, mental health, self-development, genetics, and neuroscience. Most of the biohacking practices were found to be health-centric and include practices such as dietary or herbal supplements or chip implants that could interact with medical investigations and treatments. This highlights that biohacking practices should be included as part of a proper medical history to allow healthcare providers to recommend safe and appropriate therapies, and to avoid supplement-drug interactions and adverse events. Implications for biohacking are vast and minimising harms, whilst optimising benefits at the individual and population level requires a better understanding of how biohacking practices are conceptualised. This will help inform healthcare decision-makers, policymakers, and industries associated with the practices identified.

Study Snapshot

Key takeawayBiohacking practices, which include dietary supplements and chip implants, should be part of a proper medical history to avoid supplement-drug interactions and adverse events.

PopulationOlder adults (50-71 years)

Sample size24

MethodsObservational

OutcomesBody Mass Index projections

ResultsSocial networks mitigate obesity in older groups.

Biohacking: A thematic analysis of tweets to better understand how biohackers conceptualise their practices

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