Focusing on what might happen and how it could feel: can the anticipation of regret change students' computing-related choices?

A longitudinal study tested whether a regret-based intervention could persuade computer users to make more security-conscious choices in relation to backing up their work and internet security. Computing science students reported their attitudes and behaviour in relation to the two issues at three timepoints (baseline, intervention and follow-up phases) over a 12-week period. In the intervention phase, students imagined themselves in a scenario where, had they chosen to act differently, they could have avoided a negative outcome. They then considered how regretful they would feel in that situation. The results showed that, for backing up, students showed more positive attitudes and data-protective behavioural choices immediately after the intervention and at follow-up, compared to their baseline measures. The second scenario was less effective at changing participants' attitudes and behaviour in relation to disabling active scripting. Possible reasons for the difference in effectiveness of the intervention for the two targeted issues are discussed.