Design Implications for One-Way Text Messaging Services that Support Psychological Wellbeing

Abstract

One-way text messaging services have the potential to support psychological wellbeing at scale without conversational partners. However, there is limited understanding of what challenges are faced in mapping interactions typically done face-to-face or via online interactive resources into a text messaging medium. To explore this design space, we developed seven text messages inspired by cognitive behavioral therapy. We then conducted an open-ended survey with 788 undergraduate students and follow-up interviews with students and clinical psychologists to understand how people perceived these messages and the factors they anticipated would drive their engagement. We leveraged those insights to revise our messages, after which we deployed our messages via a technology probe to 11 students for two weeks. Through our mixed-methods approach, we highlight challenges and opportunities for future text messaging services, such as the importance of concrete suggestions and flexible pre-scheduled message timing.