What mobile in-app purchase protection methods are parents using to protect their children from overspending? Why do they use these methods and are they linked to socioeconomic status?
RESEARCH QUESTIONS:
RQ1: WHAT MOBILE IN-APP PURCHASE PROTECTION METHODS ARE PARENTS USING TO PROTECT THEIR CHILDREN FROM OVERSPENDING?
RQ2: DOES THE SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS OF PARENTS INFLUENCE THE CHOICE OF THE MOBILE IN-APP PURCHASE SAFETY METHOD THAT THEY MAINLY USE?
RQ3: WHY DO PARENTS CHOOSE THE MOBILE IN-APP PURCHASE SAFETY METHOD THEY DO IN ORDER TO PROTECT THEIR CHILDREN FROM OVERSPENDING?
MODULE
MARK
TBA
STUDY
METHODS
Mixed Methods
(Quantitative Survey & Qualitative Interviews)
STUDY
DESIGN
Survey & Interviews
SKILLS
USED
Study Design,
Data Collection,
Data Analysis,
Report Writing,
Critical Thinking,
Argument Building
Abstract
Background: Most mobile app games in the Google Play App Store, Apple App Store and Steam featuring loot boxes and microtransactions are certified 12+. Children aged 6–12, are therefore being exposed to gambling-like mechanisms in microtransactions which could lead to overspending. In the gambling domain, overspending is a marker for problem gambling, which doesn’t confirm problem gambling in the gaming domain, however there could be concern for parents of children that overspend. Overspending protection methods exist, however it’s unclear which method is predominantly used, why that is and whether socioeconomic status (SES) has an influence. This is important given that SES correlates with gambling and expenditure. Research suggests a correlation between high impulsivity and the inability to manage household bills, and spending on mobile in-app microtransactions increases in people with low self-control. It could be that, as in other domains and for vulnerable individuals, high impulsivity, low self-control and low SES create a perfect storm for overspending.
Method: Study 1 used parental protection methods (PPMs) suggested by previous research (Gong & Rodda, 2022) which were slightly adapted to include in an online survey (n = 119) to determine what PPMs parents implement. The Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) postcode checker was used to understand if there was a relationship between PPM choice and SES. Study 2 was almost identical to Study 1, but with a larger data sample (n = 649). Study 3 was a qualitative study involving Zoom interviews of parents and content analysis of parents answers to determine why parents implement the PPM they do.
Results: Findings suggest parents use ‘Parental control’, ‘Monitoring your child(ren)’ and ‘Persuading and educating your child(ren)’. They use these methods to protect, but also teach good decision making, financial responsibility, and develop freedom and independence. This research finds no relationship between SES and the method parents implement, suggesting vulnerable children from low socioeconomic backgrounds are no more at risk. This study gives insight into parental behaviours. Developers can improve systems based on the theme of teaching discovered. Parents can be reassured that methods are accessible to all – not only protecting children from risks, but helping them thrive.
“Chris made it his mission to truly understand us and what we wanted to achieve. He ensured that every part of our launch campaign built brand awareness. He really impressed us with his creativity, which has transformed our brand and captured the attention of a whole new audience.”
“Working with Chris has been an absolute delight. He delivered the Verge Break branding with professionalism, enthusiasm and boldness. He really took the time to immerse himself in the company and fully understand what we stand for. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him.”
“We loved starting the Brew York Revolution with Chris. He helped us realise our ambitious expansion plan of opening York’s biggest craft beer venue just two years after we opened our brewery. His crowdfunding campaign raised £56k in 21 days with us increasing our target twice. It was amazing to get 41% more than our initial £40k target. He really supported us to take our business to the next level with great creative ideas, which were completely results focused and provided brilliant return on investment.”
SOME OF THE BRANDS I WORK WITH
Let’s work together
I’D LOVE TO WORK WITH YOU SO DROP ME A MESSAGE
Are you interested in employing me?
Just drop me a message and I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.