Exploring persuasive technology in the context of health and wellbeing at work

Abstract

We are not able to imagine life without technology. We use technology for almost every task in our daily life and also in the work setting, technology is everywhere around us. Developments in ICT have brought about many changes in work, and these changes will continue as technology evolves.
In her thesis, Elsbeth de Korte explores the potential of persuasive technology to improve health and wellbeing at work. Persuasive technology is designed to change attitudes or behaviors of users through persuasion and social influence and without coercion. With apps, sensors and data, behavior, physical and mental activity and bodily functions can be monitored. Smart algorithms are used to provide active feedback to the user, to help them to achieve their goals. Persuasive technology shows real potential to drive improvements in working life, to reduce health risks or to better manage risk factors. However, can we trust persuasive technology? On which theories, models or standards do they base their feedback and recommendations? Are they effective? Who is actually profiting from persuasive technology? These questions need to be answered to explore how, where and for whom persuasive technology can be meaningfully implemented.