DOs

Provide details on how society at large engages with this behavior based on user action.

Respectfully present risks or alternative outcomes for not engaging in the behavior.

Integrate personal network circles where possible to increase motivation and accountability.

Use positive and encouraging language

Foster positive community culture

Remind users about positive long term outcomes of behavior change

Use social reinforcement for positive behavior change

Align the benefits of the intended behavior with social norms

DON’Ts

Leverage discouraging or demeaning language if the user decides to not move forward with the “accepted” behavior.

Use negative language or make users feel bad about making mistakes

Don’t be overly optimistic toward objectives that the user might not be able to achieve

Use negative peer pressure to change behavior

Make someone feel bad or excluded from social communities

Author(s)
Lucas Colusso

Ph.D. Candidate