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The role of nudge-based messages on the acceptability and download of COVID-19 contact tracing apps: survey experiments

Author

Listed:
  • Hirofumi Kurokawa

    (Kwansei Gakuin University)

  • Shusaku Sasaki

    (Osaka University)

  • Fumio Ohtake

    (Osaka University
    Osaka University)

Abstract

We investigated the effectiveness of nudge-based messages in promoting the download of contact tracing apps, particularly in the context of low uptake due to serious distrust in the product. Even in the presence of distrust towards the app, promoting downloads can be a beneficial means of preventing infection spread at a stage before pharmacological interventions, such as vaccines or therapeutic drugs, are established. Two studies were conducted with Japanese residents who had not yet downloaded any contact tracing apps. Study 1, based on smartphone location data, targeted 2690 individuals who had gone out despite public instructions to stay at home. Study 2 targeted 4126 individuals whose web-search behavior could be tracked. Nudge-based messages did not increase app downloads in either study. In Study 1, where participants were considered non-cooperative, these messages also did not enhance acceptability such as willingness to accept and intention to download the apps. Conversely, in Study 2, a more representative sample, nudge-based messages emphasizing altruism, economic losses, and medical losses increased app acceptability, although they did not increase searches related to the app's keywords.

Suggested Citation

  • Hirofumi Kurokawa & Shusaku Sasaki & Fumio Ohtake, 2025. "The role of nudge-based messages on the acceptability and download of COVID-19 contact tracing apps: survey experiments," The Japanese Economic Review, Springer, vol. 76(1), pages 195-225, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:jecrev:v:76:y:2025:i:1:d:10.1007_s42973-024-00152-x
    DOI: 10.1007/s42973-024-00152-x
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sasaki, Shusaku & Saito, Tomoya & Ohtake, Fumio, 2022. "Nudges for COVID-19 voluntary vaccination: How to explain peer information?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 292(C).
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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Nudge; Contact tracing apps; COVID-19; Survey experiment;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C93 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Design of Experiments - - - Field Experiments
    • D01 - Microeconomics - - General - - - Microeconomic Behavior: Underlying Principles
    • D91 - Microeconomics - - Micro-Based Behavioral Economics - - - Role and Effects of Psychological, Emotional, Social, and Cognitive Factors on Decision Making
    • I12 - Health, Education, and Welfare - - Health - - - Health Behavior

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