FutureU: A smartphone and virtual reality intervention to increase future orientation

• In Event: Virtual reality, smartphones and social media: The potential of novel methods for the study of crime

Abstract

Short-term mindsets are associated with self-defeating behaviors, such as delinquency and alcohol use. In contrast, people who consider the longer-term consequences of their decisions tend to report positive outcomes, like feeling more competent and enhanced goal achievement. We evaluate an intervention, FutureU, that aims to stimulate future-oriented thinking, increase goal achievement, and reduce self-defeating behavior, by strengthening people’s identification with their future self. The intervention will be delivered through a smartphone application (app) or immersive Virtual Reality (VR). We test the effectiveness of FutureU for both delivery methods, examine working mechanisms, and identify potential moderators of intervention effects.

Author

• Jean-Louis van Gelder, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Crime, Security and Law