Danger that Strava can fuel ‘obsessive tendencies,’ according to new study
The exercise social media app can also encourage riders to only post positive workout data or pictures
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- (opens in new tab)
- Sign up to our newsletter Newsletter

Strava users can find themselves in danger of developing “obsessive tendencies”, according to a new university study.
Research from the National University of Ireland, Galway, which involved interviews with 272 cyclists found that fitness apps can help encourage exercise routines, but can also be a spark for unhealthy attitudes towards fitness.
The study explores how fitness apps, specifically Strava, affect the positive of negative implications they have for a person’s wellbeing.
Dr Eoin Whelan, a senior lecturer in business information systems at the JE Cairnes School of Business and Econonics, said: “The majority of exercisers are now using digital technology to track and share their workout data in order to support their fitness goals. But these fitness apps can be a double-edged sword.
“Our study suggests fitness sharing apps can certainly help seed and sustain exercise routines, but there is a danger that some users may develop obsessive tendencies, which need to be avoided.”
Researchers found that apps like Strava, Nike+, MyFitnessPal, RunKeeper, and Fitocracy, are ‘gamified’ to provide rewards and encourage users to keep tracking their exercise.
But the “doubled-edged sword” for cyclists comes into play where riders use the apps for reciprocation or social recognition.
Those who use Strava for reciprocation give support and encouragement to other athletes, and are more likely to have a harmonious passion for cycling.
Conversely, those who use the apps for social recognition - to receive praise and public endorsement – are more likely to develop an obsessive passion for cycling and suffer higher stress levels.
>>> 12 beginner cyclist tips to get new riders off to the best start
Dr Whelan said: “Fitness app social features which promote self-recognition, such as posting only positive workout data or photos, can be linked to maladaptive perceptions of exercise and burnout in the long run. In contrast, fitness app social features which promote reciprocation, such as giving support and commenting on colleagues’ activities, are likely to lead to adaptive outcomes.”
The full study, ‘How the social dimension of fitness apps can enhance and undermine wellbeing’, is published in the journal Information Technology & People.
Thank you for reading 10 articles this month* Join now for unlimited access
Enjoy your first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
*Read 5 free articles per month without a subscription
Join now for unlimited access
Try first month for just £1 / $1 / €1
Alex Ballinger is editor of BikeBiz magazine, the leading publication for the UK cycle industry, and is the former digital news editor for CyclingWeekly.com. After gaining experience in local newsrooms, national newspapers and in digital journalism, Alex found his calling in cycling, first as a reporter, then as news editor responsible for Cycling Weekly's online news output, and now as the editor of BikeBiz. Since pro cycling first captured his heart during the 2010 Tour de France (specifically the Contador-Schleck battle) Alex covered three Tours de France, multiple editions of the Tour of Britain, and the World Championships, while both writing and video presenting for Cycling Weekly. He also specialises in fitness writing, often throwing himself into the deep end to help readers improve their own power numbers. Away from the desk, Alex can be found racing time trials, riding BMX and mountain bikes, or exploring off-road on his gravel bike. He’s also an avid gamer, and can usually be found buried in an eclectic selection of books.
-
-
Primož Roglič secures Volta a Catalunya title as Remco Evenepoel claims final stage
Slovenian wins overall by six seconds on stage seven in Barcelona
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Remco Evenepoel sends verbal warning to his 'idol' Primož Roglič after quadruple Volta a Catalunya showdown
It's 2-1 to Roglič after a neck-and-neck fight at the Volta a Catalunya, but Evenepoel isn't short of confidence
By Chris Marshall-Bell • Published
-
American cyclist aims to break Strava record with a 950-mile cross spanning three states
The Guinness World Record attempt will traverse three state lines and is expected to take seven days to finish
By Anne-Marije Rook • Published
-
Strava recognises French velociraptor as largest GPS drawing ever made by bike
Velociraptor measuring 1,024.72 kilometres took more than 43 hours to complete
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
Strava insists new pricing structure is legal
The company is varying its subscription prices depending on the user's country of residence
By Tom Davidson • Published
-
Strava apologises for 'confusing' subscription price hike
Fitness tracking app has sought to clarify changes to pricing after initial "very confusing" messaging
By Tom Thewlis • Published
-
'Strava inflation' takes on new meaning with price rise above 25%
'Strava inflation' could previously be applied to the growth in user numbers and subsequent increase in segment speeds, now it signifies a notable price rise
By Jack Elton-Walters • Published
-
The Strava community has spoken… here are the changes they want to see made to the app in 2023
One request cropped up more than anything else
By Adam Hart • Published
-
A lot more UK cyclists did 100-mile rides in 2022 than 2021, Strava data reveals
The company's Year in Sport report shows exercise trends have rebounded to pre-pandemic levels
By Tom Davidson • Last updated
-
'It was Purgatory': Cancer survivor rides 627km around Cyprus in a day
Alexandros Agrotis fought off fatigue to raise funds for thyroid cancer, which he had as a teenager
By Tom Davidson • Published