Ever since the emergence of mobile apps, there has been a huge debate over the implications of using persuasive technology in designing mobile software. Persuasive technology refers to the features used to influence the behaviour of users, often in a subtle unnoticed manner. If you catch yourself mindlessly scrolling videos on Facebook or Tiktok for hours or choosing to watch an Ad to get some powerups in a casual game like Candy Crush, you might be exhibiting that behaviour because the software is designed to affect your decisions.
However, this facet is not as bad as it sounds. There are many current apps that use PT to motivate users and encourage progression and positive physical habits. Some of the strategies applied include social cooperation/competition, praise, reward, and goal setting. A prime example would be the messages you see on your device such as “Last week, you reached your daily walking goal two times, try updating it to 8 km,” or “you have been idle for two hours. Try stretching or quick walk.” Furthermore, the daily reports on deep sleep hours, weight loss, calories, and intake of water are designed purposefully to promote positive behaviour.
Moreover, PT is also used in education and learning through the activation of reward systems, the share of peer reviews, and the promotion of free certification.
But what are the ethical concerns about PT, and how far can it go, along with AI, to influence humans to make more significant decisions?
See a study (2020) on PT here.
See an article by Eindhoven University of Technology (2021) here.
