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"

Authors: Thompson, Deborah - Debbe; BARANOWSKI, TOM - Children'S Nutrition Research Center (CNRC)

Submitted to: Translational Behavioral Medicine
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 4/23/2019
Publication Date: 5/16/2019
Citation: Thompson, D.J., Baranowski, T. 2019. 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". Translational Behavioral Medicine. 9(3):448-450. https://doi.org/10.1093/tbm/ibz065.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1093/tbm/ibz065

Interpretive Summary:

Technical 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.