Factors affecting behavioral change through the use of computer-mediated technology

This study explores the impact of feedback and feedforward and personality on computer-mediated behavior change. The impact of the effects were studied using subjects who entered information relevant to their diet and exercise into an online tool. Subjects were divided into four experimental groups: those receiving only feedback, those receiving only feedforward, those receiving both, and those receiving none. Results were analyzed using regression analysis. Results indicate that both feedforward and feedback impact behavior change and that individuals with individuals ranking low in conscientiousness experienced behavior change equivalent to that of individuals with high conscientiousness in the presence of feedforward and/or feedback.