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Can Apps Make Air Pollution Visible? Learning About Health Impacts Through Engagement with Air Quality Information

Author

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  • Magali A. Delmas

    (UCLA Institute of the Environment & Sustainability
    UCLA Anderson School of Management)

  • Aanchal Kohli

    (UCLA Institute of the Environment & Sustainability)

Abstract

Air pollution is one of the largest environmental health risks globally but is often imperceptible to people. Air quality smartphone applications (commonly called apps) provide real-time localized air quality information and have the potential to help people learn about the health effects of air pollution and enable them to take action to protect their health. Hundreds of air quality apps are now available; however, there is scant information on how effective these mobile apps are at educating stakeholders about air pollution and promoting behavioral change to protect their health. In this paper, we test how intrinsic and extrinsic motivations can enhance users’ engagement with air quality information through an app, and favor changes in protective behavior. We developed an air quality app, AirForU, with a built-in research study that was downloaded by 2740 users. We found that engagement was higher for users with intrinsic motivations, such as those who are health conscious, either because they are suffering from heart disease or other conditions aggravated by air pollution, or because they exercise frequently and want to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Extrinsic motivations such as notifications were also effective. App users stated that they frequently shared air quality information with others, learned about the Air Quality Index (AQI), and took measures to protect their health while using AirForU app.

Suggested Citation

  • Magali A. Delmas & Aanchal Kohli, 2020. "Can Apps Make Air Pollution Visible? Learning About Health Impacts Through Engagement with Air Quality Information," Journal of Business Ethics, Springer, vol. 161(2), pages 279-302, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:kap:jbuset:v:161:y:2020:i:2:d:10.1007_s10551-019-04215-7
    DOI: 10.1007/s10551-019-04215-7
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    3. Wojciech Nazar & Katarzyna Plata-Nazar, 2021. "Changes in Air Pollution-Related Behaviour Measured by Google Trends Search Volume Index in Response to Reported Air Quality in Poland," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(21), pages 1-17, November.
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    5. Frank Goedertier & Bert Weijters & Pieter Vanpaemel, 2023. "The Longitudinal Effect of Digitally Administered Feedback on the Eco-Driving Behavior of Company Car Drivers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(24), pages 1-16, December.

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