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International Conference on Persuasive Technology

PERSUASIVE 2016: Persuasive Technology pp 288–300Cite as

Online Peer Groups as a Persuasive Tool to Combat Digital Addiction

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Part of the book series: Lecture Notes in Computer Science ((LNISA,volume 9638))

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.

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Acknowledgment

The research was supported by Bournemouth University through the PGR Development fund. We would like also to thank Asad Khan and Yasmeen Abdalla for their valuable contributions in conducting the focus group and diary studies in the early stages of this research.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Science and Technology, Bournemouth University, Bournemouth, UK

    Amen Alrobai, John McAlaney, Keith Phalp & Raian Ali

Authors
  1. Amen Alrobai
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  2. John McAlaney
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  3. Keith Phalp
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  4. Raian Ali
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Amen Alrobai .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria

    Alexander Meschtscherjakov

  2. Philips Research, Eindhoven, The Netherlands

    Boris De Ruyter

  3. University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria

    Verena Fuchsberger

  4. University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria

    Martin Murer

  5. University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria

    Manfred Tscheligi

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© 2016 Springer International Publishing Switzerland

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Alrobai, A., McAlaney, J., Phalp, K., Ali, R. (2016). Online Peer Groups as a Persuasive Tool to Combat Digital Addiction. In: Meschtscherjakov, A., De Ruyter, B., Fuchsberger, V., Murer, M., Tscheligi, M. (eds) Persuasive Technology. PERSUASIVE 2016. Lecture Notes in Computer Science(), vol 9638. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31510-2_25

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-31510-2_25

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-31509-6

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-31510-2

  • eBook Packages: Computer ScienceComputer Science (R0)

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