Building trust in persuasive gerontechnology: User-centric and institution-centric approaches
F. Sattarov, S. Nagel
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AbstractTrust in technology is an important factor for the design and use of technology in general. While there is growing interest in the role of trust on this general
level, so far little attention has been given to the particularities of trust in persuasive
technologies, i.e. technologies that serve to persuade users into certain behaviours. Those
technologies are increasingly targeting the older adults, posing ethical questions that ask
for sensitive investigation of trust. Here, we explore the specifc character of trust in persuasive gerontechnology. We argue that the question of how to establish trust in technology, how to make trust lasting and enduring, requires considering user-centric and
institution-centric approaches, and suggest an approach that is sensitive to wider social
and institutional factors. The impact that persuasive gerontechnology can have depends
on whether people can trust them, the designers, or the overall system. Drawing on studies of determinants of institutional trust, we identify four main strategies that can inform
designers, technology assessors and policy makers in building trust between technology
and users: (1) creating novel institutions, (2) creating incentives, (3) providing guarantees,
and (4) ensuring transparency. We conclude the discussion with suggestions regarding
future directions in researching trust and persuasive technology.Keywords: trust, persuasive technology, gerontechnology, e-health, institutions
F. Sattarov, S. Nagel (2019). Building trust in persuasive gerontechnology: User-centric and institution-centric approaches. Gerontechnology, 18(1), 1-14
https://doi.org/10.4017/ gt.2019.18.1.001.00