**6. Not everything is sunny and bright: limitations and shortcomings**

The content analysis also revealed some limitations and shortcomings of SNS, virtual groups, and health-monitoring apps, which are listed as follows:

(a) Safety and privacy—Participants in the study show their concern regarding their privacy and safety. Most of them are sharing photos and personal information, which could be misused by hackers or exposes them to threats and cybercrime.


The presence of a community manager can help overcome some of the limitations presented above. Unwanted members of the community can be eliminated and irrelevant posts can be erased. Also, a clear policy on what can be posted will help resolve some of the shortcomings.

Regarding the accuracy of data, it is important to educate users of wearable devices and apps and show them how to register information and how to measure different things (e.g., the amount of food).

Prizes and rewards can be employed to motivate people to use their apps or visit the virtual communities. But finally, we have to acknowledge that the use of SNS, wearable devices, and apps is a personal choice, and people will exert their right to engage with them or not.
