ENGAGING NEW GENERATION VIRTUALLY: A NEW ERA FOR SOCIAL SERVICE

Abstract

With the rapid development of technology, smartphones have become indispensable in our daily lives. Youths, in particular, are highly dependent on virtual technology, which is the primary means they use to interact with the outside world and acquire information. In response, the Society of Rehabilitation and Crime Prevention, Hong Kong developed a virtual-based program namely the "Jockey Club YouChallenge Programme" (YouChallenge) for disadvantaged youth in 2017. "YouChallenge" aimed at increasing the positive and meaningful experience of disadvantaged youth through different tasks, to guide them to build a healthy living pattern by avoiding high-risk behaviors. This program was meant to be a ground-breaking intervention by implementing the online gamification strategy, and it repackaged social service as a game with different types of tasks that were then delivered to youths via a smartphone App. A pilot study was conducted to validate its impact. Results suggest that the online-gamification approach was more effective in reaching hidden youth than the conventional face-to-face approach, especially for those who could easily be neglected with conventional methods. Their pro-living index and living patterns were improved and the likelihood of high-risk behaviors was reduced. Unlike the conventional social services, this program was built on a smartphone App to get in touch with the youth and navigate them from virtual social media to reality to develop practical skills and pro-social goals in life.