Young adults think electronic interventions might help to reduce the negative consequences of alcohol use if tailored to their personal needs and goals. In a qualitative study, young adults reported that such real-time interventions should be customizable, easy to use, and provide digestible amounts of non-judgmental information. The authors of the study published in Alcohol: Clinical and Experimental Research highlight the importance of involving users early in the development process to ensure users find harm reduction applications relevant and engaging.
Researchers conducted in-depth interviews with 21 people aged 18 to 24 in the greater Seattle area about whether electronic interventions could help young adults reduce negative consequences of alcohol use. Overall, the young adults felt positive about web-based or mobile interventions, stating that interventions that counted drinks and reported blood alcohol content could increase awareness of the alcohol content of drinks and help them pace themselves. Some, however, felt that consequences were unavoidable, as intoxication and social pressure would reduce the ability to engage with real-time interventions.
When asked about features that would make these mobile or web-based interventions most useful, participants emphasized personalization and relevance. For example, the ability to set goals and track drinks as well as mood, behavior, experiences, and where and with whom they are drinking could provide insight into how dif.