Digital pets boost daily activity by more than 20%

According to a master's thesis at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), a mobile game can make physical activity more enjoyable. Two master's students investigated how the mobile game "BitPet" affects physical activity, motivation and social well-being. The three-week study involved 51 participants and combined questionnaires, interviews, step counts and activity data collected through the game itself.

Digital pets boost daily activity by more than 20%, trial finds. Digital pets boost daily activity by more than 20%, trial finds by Nina Tveter, Norwegian University of Science and Technology edited by Sadie Harley, reviewed by Andrew Zinin Sadie Harley Scientific Editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Andrew Zinin Chief Editor Meet our editorial team Behind our editorial process Editors' notes This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: fact-checked trusted source proofread The GIST Add as preferred source According to a new study, BitPet players were, on average, more than 20% more physically active on the days they played the game.

Encouraging people to move a little more "One of the clearest findings was that the virtual pet became an important source of motivation for many participants. The sense of responsibility for the pet, combined with step points, progression, in-game resources and photo competitions, encouraged many people to be a little more physically active," says Alf Inge Wang, one of the game's founders. Wang is also a professor at NTNU's Department of Computer Science and served as supervisor for the master's students.

"Many participants said they chose to walk the long way home, walked to the shop instead of driving, or went for an extra walk simply to help their pet evolve," he explains.