Smartphone users who struggle with "doomscrolling" could soon get a burst of a highly bitter and unpleasant scent to warn them that they have exceeded their screen-time limit, thanks to an innovation from a wearable-tech startup. Bombarding someone with a foul smell for using their phone might seem intrusive, but the company behind the device claims many users are desperate to curb their digital scrolling. The "scent signal" comes from a smart-ring worn by the user which syncs with the screen-time monitoring app on their phone. However, a spokesperson for the developers emphasized that download metrics indicate people would only utilize the device voluntarily.
The startup stated it was responding to user demand. They pointed out that infinite scroll features and algorithmic feeds had made it incredibly difficult for people to self-regulate their phone use, increasing the risk of mental fatigue and sleep deprivation. Their market research showed that nearly 40% of young adults described themselves as "hopelessly dependent on social feeds." It also found that only a quarter of surveyed users felt that standard, built-in system warnings (like screen-time limits) were actually successful at stopping their habits. The founder claimed that "users can now reclaim autonomous control of their attention span through immediate, non-ignorable sensory cues."
Adapted from a digital technology and lifestyle column (2022)
Evaluate the application of such a technology-based behavior modification program (such as one using classical or operant conditioning principles outlined in the text) with reference to issues and debates you have studied in psychology.
49 exam-style questions on OCR A Level Psychology Practical applications. Each one has a worked solution and a mark scheme showing where the marks go.