Replacing Self-Efficacy in Physical Activity: Unconscious Intervention of the AR Game, Pokémon GO

Hana Kim, Hyung Jin Lee, Hosoo Cho, Eungdo Kim and Junseok Hwang
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Hana Kim: Technology Management, Economics and Policy Program, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea
Hyung Jin Lee: Technology Management, Economics and Policy Program, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea
Hosoo Cho: Technology Management, Economics and Policy Program, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea
Eungdo Kim: Graduate School of Health Science Business Convergence, Chungbuk National University, 1 Chungdae-ro, Seowon-gu, Chungbuk 28644, Korea
Junseok Hwang: Technology Management, Economics and Policy Program, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul 08826, Korea

Sustainability, 2018, vol. 10, issue 6, 1-13

Abstract: With increases in aging and chronic disease, there have been efforts to apply IT to healthcare. Many studies show that the will to exercise (self-efficacy) is the most important factor contributing to physical activity. However, those who need exercise do not have this will so that an approach to increase the motivation for physical activity should be unconscious. Thus, playing Pokémon GO, an augmented reality (AR) mobile game requiring players to ambulate in reality, increases the physical activity of individuals with a simple motivation of enjoyment. A survey on 237 Pokémon GO players was analyzed using structural equation modeling (SEM) considering libertarian paternalism. The results show that self-efficacy had a non-significant effect on attitude toward the game Pokémon GO, while previous studies found that self-efficacy is the most important factor in increasing physical activity. This indicates that playing AR drives physical activity, subconsciously and effectively.

Keywords: quality of life; physical activity and sports; leisure; physical activity; AR; Pokémon GO (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O13 Q Q0 Q2 Q3 Q5 Q56 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (2)

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