Online Peer Groups as a Persuasive Tool to Combat Digital Addiction

Abstract

Abstract. Digital Addiction (DA) denotes a problematic usage of digital devices characterised by properties such as being compulsive, impulsive, excessive and hasty. DA is associated with negative behaviours such as anxiety and depression. "Digital Detox" programs have started to appear and are mainly based on a relatively expensive and heavyweight in-patient care utilising traditional solutions such as motivational interviews and cognitive behavioural therapies. For moderate addiction, persuasive technology could have potential, as a brief intervention, to assist users to regulate their usage. This paper explores the design of online peer groups as a persuasive technique that puts together people who share a common interest in combating their DA or in helping others to do so. We conducted empirical research to explore design aspects of this mechanism. The results raise a range of questions and challenges to address when developing such a technique for the behaviour change needed against DA.

Gender Differences in Attitudes Towards Prevention and Intervention Messages for Digital Addiction

“…'…because if I had it from friends or family yes it may affect me more but even if it was anonymous I'd be like as much as I appreciate their care it's not their business it's my time, I don't want you to bitch at me about this because you can't say it to my face' (female participant). The use of peer groups as a persuasive tool to combat DA has been explored in related work by the authors [15].…”

Exploring the Risk Factors of Interactive E-Health Interventions for Digital Addiction

“…To sustain a behaviour change, one participant commented that they always like to "compare if they have spent less time than their peers." This indicates the potential of the online peer pressure and social comparison which are typically used in peer support groups (Alrobai et al, 2016b). However, some social influences, such as conformity effect, suggest the risk of adjusting the behaviours temporarily to conform with peers.…”

Exploring the Risk Factors of Interactive E-Health Interventions for Digital Addiction

“…This indicates the potential of the online peer pressure and social comparison which are typically used in peer support groups (Alrobai et al, 2016b). However, some social influences, such as conformity effect, suggest the risk of adjusting the behaviours temporarily to conform with peers.…”

“…In our previous work (Alrobai, McAlaney, Phalp, & Ali, 2016b), we looked at the relationship between treatment programs, social structures in rehab-based communities and possible software-based interventions. In this paper, we focus on the socio-technical issues that might influence the design of e-health intervention for DA.…”

“…However, there is lack of guidance on how to apply this design principle in e-health intervention for addictive behaviours. For example, how to include individuals who might have unconscious bias, conflicting requirements and denial of reality (Alrobai, McAlaney, Dogan, Phalp, & Ali, 2016a), e.g., ex-addicts might be also relatively biased to their own past experience (Alrobai et al, 2016b).…”