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Abstract. Digital Addiction (DA) denotes a problematic usage of digital devices characterised by properties such as being compulsive, impulsive, excessive and hasty. DA is associated with negative behaviours such as anxiety and depression. "Digital Detox" programs have started to appear and are mainly based on a relatively expensive and heavyweight in-patient care utilising traditional solutions such as motivational interviews and cognitive behavioural therapies. For moderate addiction, persuasive technology could have potential, as a brief intervention, to assist users to regulate their usage. This paper explores the design of online peer groups as a persuasive technique that puts together people who share a common interest in combating their DA or in helping others to do so. We conducted empirical research to explore design aspects of this mechanism. The results raise a range of questions and challenges to address when developing such a technique for the behaviour change needed against DA.

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Abstract. [Context and motivation] Digital Addiction, (hereafter referred to as DA), has become a serious issue that has a diversity of socio-economic side effects. [Question/problem] In spite of its high importance, DA got little recognition or guidance as to how software engineering should take it into account. This is in stark contrast to other domains known for traditional addiction (e.g., drugs, gambling, and alcohol) in which there are clear rules and policies on how to manufacture, market and sell the products. [Principal ideas/results] In this position paper, we suggest that software engineering in general and requirements engineering in particular need to consider DA as a first class concept in developing software systems.[Contribution] As an early step in this area, we conduct an empirical investigation of DA by reviewing the literature and analysing web discussion forums on the topic and use that to design a mind-map of its main causes. We also provide a basic model to articulate the DA problem from requirements perspective and elaborate research challenges for a future work.

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.