Exploring the risk factors of interactive e-health interventions for digital addiction

Amen Alrobai, John McAlaney, Keith Phalp, Raian Ali

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

14 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Digital Addiction refers to a problematic usage of digital devices characterised by being excessive, compulsive, impulsive and hasty. It is often associated with negative life experience such as anxiety and depression. To combat Digital Addiction, interactive e-health intervention applications started to appear to aid users adjust their usage style. The present study aims to understand the risks related to such e-health interventions. The authors conducted an empirical research to investigate such risks from users' perspectives through a diary study. Fourteen participants were recruited and asked to install popular "digital diet" applications and use them for two weeks and record their significant moments. The authors then interviewed the participants to discuss their experience. Self-governed interactive e-health intervention for digital addiction could lead to adverse side effects such as lower self-esteem, misconception of the healthy usage and creating an alternative addictive experience. Thus, there is a need for theory-based development and rigorous testing for such e-health solutions.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1-15
Number of pages15
JournalInternational Journal of Sociotechnology and Knowledge Development
Volume8
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Apr 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Digital Addiction
  • Digital Diet
  • Interactive E-Health Interventions
  • Self-Regulation
  • Technology Addiction

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