uwage

uwage is a term used in speculative technology discourse to describe a hypothetical universal wearable device intended to optimize daily energy expenditure and cognitive labor. In this context, uwage refers both to the device and to an accompanying socio-technical framework that treats attention and effort as tradable resources within a personal-automation system.

Origin and usage: The word combines 'you' with 'wage' and is sometimes written UWAGE. It appears in science fiction, thought experiments on the future of work, and discussions of the attention economy. It is not a real, commercially available product.

Concept and design: In the imagined model, uwage is a lightweight wearable—such as a ring or armband—that collects physiological signals (heart rate, galvanic skin response, sleep quality) and behavioral data. An onboard or cloud-based AI analyzes this data to optimize task scheduling, break timing, and energy allocation, presenting users with daily 'attention credits' and recommended work-rest cycles. In some narratives, the device can interface with other smart devices and micro-payments for cognitive labor.

Societal implications: Proponents argue uwage could enhance wellbeing and productivity, while critics warn of privacy invasion, surveillance risk, and new forms of coercion or inequity if access is unequal.

See also: wearables, attention economy, gig economy, personal data.