Exploring the Feasibility of Subliminal Priming on Web platforms

Abstract

Despite the initial premise of behavior change tools, recent work has questioned their efficacy over the long term. Many of these technologies rely on a "one-size fits all" strategy -self-monitoring -to foster behavior change. However, individual's capacity to change their behaviors depends on their ability and motivation for self-regulation. We explore a different approach to persuasive technology design and investigate how subtle influences falling outside conscious awareness can instinctively motivate behaviors. Subliminal priming has the potential to influence people's attitudes and behaviors, without relying on people's will to engage with the process. Yet, little research has studied it effectiveness encouraging behavior change outside a laboratory setting. In this paper we explore the feasibility of subliminal priming on web-platforms. We present an in the wild study where 12 participants were exposed to subliminal cues to motivate water intake while they browsed on the web. This paper contributes with a practical application of subliminal priming in the field of behavior change as well as design implications for future research.

Transparency in persuasive technology, immersive technology, and online marketing: Facilitating users’ informed decision making and practical implications

“…Five dark pattern strategies used in UX design have been summarized, including Nagging (i.e., actions such as pop-ups and audio notices that obstruct or redirect users' focus), Obstruction (i.e., barriers such as disabled functionality to persuade an action such as paying for membership), Sneaking (i.e., attempts of hiding or delaying the disclosure of information such as additional undisclosed costs to impede informed decisions), Interface interference (i.e., manipulation of user interfaces to privilege specific actions over others such as preselecting atypical user choices by default), and Forced action (i.e., situations where users have to perform specific actions to gain access to specific functionality such as levels in video games that are impossible to achieve without buying powerups or extra lives). Likewise, using subliminal techniques to influence consumer behavior is highly controversial (Dijksterhuis et al, 2005), and subliminal priming can be used as a "dark design pattern" to attempt to manipulate users (Brignull, 2011;Caraban et al, 2018;Greenberg et al, 2014). For example, designers might use subliminal priming to make it easier for users to prefer one product over others without their consent (Pinder, 2017).…”

“…For example, designers might use subliminal priming to make it easier for users to prefer one product over others without their consent (Pinder, 2017). Caraban et al (2018) suggested that any application using dark patterns should ensure they address user fears and misunderstandings in the first place. They highlighted that it is the responsibility of researchers and designers to ensure that interventions in persuasive systems are delivered in an ethical, transparent fashion.…”

Does Learning Method Matter in Cyber Security Behaviour? Spaced Vs. Massed e-Learning

“…This can decrease communication and relationships that sustain the learning for long periods. Additionally, Caraban et al [6] states there have been doubts with the initial premise of long-term behavior change tools and the dependability on self-monitoring and self-regulation where subliminal attitude change influences may motivate behavior change learners in the long-term. This means there is a market for the delivery of a different strategy for learning in the form of spaced learning, subtle influences outside the conscious awareness to learning, to facilitate engagement, motivation, and interaction between employees and ultimately long-term learning retention.…”

Priming and Mining the Civil Engineering Mindset: How Personal Values and Perfectionism Shape Societal Engagement and Consideration in Design

“…The authors then explain that "it took a while for us [them] to articulate the message that while Inworks is indeed a Maker Space, it is a place where people make things that matter, rather than just making something for the sake of making it". Linking this to priming and nudging, the report reviews that "subliminal priming can be used as a "dark design pattern" to attempt to manipulate users (Caraban A. , Karapanos, Campos, & Gonçalves, 2018;Brignull, 2011;Greenberg, Boring, Vermeulen, & Dostal, 2014).…”