Technology & Social Behavior

Channels of Influence

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Background

• 2/3 Mobile Phone Users = Smartphones
• U.S. 34hrs phone vs. 24hrs/wk PC, up 15%
• Receive/Avoid 22 Calls on avg/day
• Send/Receive 23 Txt Msgs on avg/day
• How many times, on avg is phone touched...?

Maher et al 2014

• Systematic review: Are social networks effective?
• Studies included: 10
• Targeted outcomes: weight loss, PA, or combo
• Attrition rates: 0% to 84%
• Efficacy?

Behavior Change

Pagoto et al 2014

• Purpose?
• Method?
• Results?
• Conclusions?

Turner-McGrievy & Tate 2011

• Purpose?
• Method?
• Results?
• Conclusions?

Take-home messages

• Limited evidence that social networks are effective 
• Harness "superusers" for bandwagon effects
• Curate content to avoid mixed messages