Booze Clues: The Integration of Technology into the College Social Scene to Promote Responsible Drinking

Weber, Hannah

Undergraduate Honors Thesis

Booze Clues: The Integration of Technology into the College Social Scene to Promote Responsible Drinking Public Deposited

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Citations

Citeable URL: https://test-scholar.colorado.edu/concern/undergraduate_honors_theses/br86b4401

Abstract

Alcohol is prevalent in the social lives of many college students; however, my research suggests the endeavors to promote responsible drinking through the current research and education efforts are failing. Binge drinking remains synonymous to the college social scene, people continue to practice irresponsible drinking behaviors, and students remain uninformed about alcohol and its effects. The purpose of this research was to understand how wearable technology could be integrated into the college social scene to encourage people to drink more responsibly. The study included interviews and a survey. My research suggests alcohol consumption is commonplace in many college students’ lives, but the majority of people remain uninformed about the consequences of drinking. These findings were used in combination with principles of User-Centered Design to inform a prototype of Booze Clues. Booze Clues is an integration of a wearable device and mobile application. The integration of this technology into people’s social lives can educate the users on the consequences of their alcohol consumption in real-time. Booze Clues will not only present the user’s current blood alcohol concentration reading as detected by a wearable device; it will also be an educational tool to inform people about blood alcohol concentration and alcohol’s impact on the body and mind. It is time for college administrators and researchers who are responsible for educating students on safe drinking practices to reevaluate their efforts. Designed for the college social scene, Booze Clues is the new way to encourage students to practice responsible drinking behaviors.

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