Start Date
11-12-2016 12:00 AM
Description
This study investigates the effectiveness of diverse precommitment mechanisms as self-control measures against mobile temptation, which refers to an uncontrollable desire and craving to consume mobile applications. These precommitment systems are made available by app-blocking options that are downloadable on smartphones at user discretion to restrict access to apps. On the basis of Thaler and Shefrin’s (1981) self-control framework, we identify and evaluate rule-based (spatial and temporal) and incentive-driven (social- and reinforcement-based) precommitment schemes. Mixed results are found with respect to the effectiveness of rule-driven precommitment schemes: Rigid temporal precommitment effectively facilitates sustained self-control and motivates users to increase block time, but contrary to expectations, the less stringent flexible spatial precommitment outperforms rigid spatial precommitment. The findings also suggest that both social- and reinforcement-based methods successfully advance sustainable command over oneself and therefore aid users in increasing voluntarily implemented block time.
Recommended Citation
So, Hyunji; Hong, Jinpyo; Han, Sang Pil; and Oh, Wonseok, "Conflict between Two Selves: Mobile Temptation and Self-Control through Precommitment" (2016). ICIS 2016 Proceedings. 1.
https://aisel.aisnet.org/icis2016/Sustainability/Presentations/1
Conflict between Two Selves: Mobile Temptation and Self-Control through Precommitment
This study investigates the effectiveness of diverse precommitment mechanisms as self-control measures against mobile temptation, which refers to an uncontrollable desire and craving to consume mobile applications. These precommitment systems are made available by app-blocking options that are downloadable on smartphones at user discretion to restrict access to apps. On the basis of Thaler and Shefrin’s (1981) self-control framework, we identify and evaluate rule-based (spatial and temporal) and incentive-driven (social- and reinforcement-based) precommitment schemes. Mixed results are found with respect to the effectiveness of rule-driven precommitment schemes: Rigid temporal precommitment effectively facilitates sustained self-control and motivates users to increase block time, but contrary to expectations, the less stringent flexible spatial precommitment outperforms rigid spatial precommitment. The findings also suggest that both social- and reinforcement-based methods successfully advance sustainable command over oneself and therefore aid users in increasing voluntarily implemented block time.