Abstract

The idea that your phone can persuade you to increase your physical fitness, or that your Facebook account can nudge you into reducing your home energy consumption may not be as bizarre as it sounds. The Lincoln Social Computing (LiSC) Research Centre is engaged in understanding how social technology can be used for positive change in the behavior of users. We have recently field-trialed two persuasive applications that have had some success in modifying levels of target behaviors. The first study was designed to promote pro-environmental behavior by reducing home energy usage. The second study targeted an increase in physical activity while at work. Both studies employed a synergy of technology-enabled feedback and online social networks (OSNs) to deliver a tightly integrated social experience.