Chatbots as extenders of pediatric obesity intervention: an invited commentary on "Feasibility of Pediatric Obesity & Pre-Diabetes Treatment Support through Tess, the AI Behavioral Coaching Chatbot"

Transl Behav Med. 2019 May 16;9(3):448-450. doi: 10.1093/tbm/ibz065.

Abstract

Despite our best efforts, pediatric obesity remains an important public health issue. Although many different approaches to address this condition have been utilized, few have achieved long-term success. Technology is increasingly being explored as a convenient and accessible method for delivering behavioral interventions. Stephens and colleagues report the feasibility of using a behavioral coaching social chatbot, Tess, to extend a multicomponent pediatric obesity intervention for adolescents. We examine the pros and cons of this approach. Although social chatbots offer an interesting and novel method for promoting round-the-clock support, important issues and decisions must be carefully considered during the design phase to help ensure a safe environment for a vulnerable population.

Keywords: Artificial intelligence; behavior change; chatbots; child obesity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Behavior Therapy
  • Feasibility Studies
  • Humans
  • Mentoring*
  • Mobile Applications*
  • Pediatric Obesity / therapy*
  • Prediabetic State / therapy*
  • Text Messaging*