From wearables to chips under the skin: science fiction or reality?

Result

One in five Germans expect the use of chips on and in the human body for identification and localisation to increase - at least within the next two decades. Among younger people, around one in four share this expectation, while only just under one in seven over 55s can imagine this.

Reasons

Many people are already using airtags, smart tags and similar technologies to locate their key ring, suitcase or car at any time. Wearables such as fitness trackers or smart glasses, shoes and rings, which are usually connected to your smartphone via Bluetooth, are also becoming increasingly popular, as they offer functions such as health monitoring, sleep cycle measurement, navigation and location tracking as well as numerous other options.
The younger generation's greater interest in new technical devices and their possibilities is reflected in their more open attitude. Many older citizens, on the other hand, have greater concerns about data protection, security and the potential risks associated with the use of such technologies.
As widespread and accepted as such chips are, the vast majority still cannot imagine having them on and in their bodies in the future. Many citizens have concerns about misuse of the technology and fear an increasing dependence on technical devices. There are also ethical reservations and concerns about individual freedom, as well as fear of health risks and stigmatisation.

Forecast

It is already technically possible to use implants to open doors, make payments or identify oneself. Chips located under the skin are also a valuable aid and support in the medical field and for people with disabilities. In the future, these and numerous other areas of application will be seen as useful, convenient, secure and efficient by a proportion of the population and will be utilised accordingly.
At the same time, however, many German citizens will continue to have concerns about data protection and ethics in the coming decades. It will therefore be crucial to develop clear regulatory guidelines and security measures in order to gain the trust of the general public and at the same time utilise the potential of this technology.