Independently testing prosocial interventions: Methods and recommendations from 31 researchers

Area of Science:

• Human-Computer Interaction
• Social Computing
• Digital Well-being

Background:

• Online platform design significantly influences user interactions and behaviors.
• Independent research on prosocial design interventions is limited by access to live platforms, impacting ecological validity.
• Prosocial design aims to promote healthy interactions, safety, well-being, and dignity online.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and synthesize methods for effective research on prosocial design interventions in online platforms.
• To guide researchers and practitioners in advancing prosocial design.
• To provide stakeholders with evidence-based tools for promoting healthy online behavior.

Main Methods:

• A workshop involving 31 experts from academia, industry, and civil society.
• Review of dominant research methods in the field of prosocial design.
• Identification and analysis of prominent challenges in testing interventions.

Main Results:

• Key challenges identified include the "reinvention of the wheel" and lack of access to live platforms.
• Recommendations for addressing challenges in knowledge sharing, events, and supporting infrastructure were proposed.
• An agenda for future online prosocial research and investment was established.

Conclusions:

• Addressing research challenges is essential for advancing prosocial design.
• Collaboration and shared infrastructure are vital for effective and ecologically valid research.
• Future investment and action are needed to promote healthier online environments through design.