Thank you for your interest. The study is currently fully-enrolled and is not currently accepting new participants.
Volunteers Needed for Research Study on Private Messaging Apps
Researchers at Georgetown, The George Washington University, and Stealth Software Technologies are developing new techniques for more private and secure instant messaging. We are seeking students to participate in a study that will help us evaluate the effectiveness of our iPhone app, and more generally improve computer privacy.
Participants will:
- Enroll (for the duration of the study) in TestFlight, Apple’s service for alpha- and beta-testing iPhone apps;
- Install an alpha (testing) version our app on their iPhones; and
- Move between four locations on Main Campus, where they will complete simple tasks (e.g., word puzzles).
During that time, the app will send automated messages to other participants’ apps when other participants are nearby. Messages are sent over “mesh Wifi” (i.e., directly between phones without using the Internet) or Bluetooth.
Study participants will not directly interact with our app, and all messages the app sends are computer-generated. We are examining how well the app can exchange messages as users physically move around an area.
The study is expected to last 2.5 hours. There will be free food available afterwards.
The app can be removed after participating in the study; it will no longer function. Additionally, we will help participants unenroll from TestFlight (unless they wish otherwise).
Qualifications
You may qualify if you:
- are at least 18 years old;
- are a Georgetown student; and
- own an iPhone running at least iOS 17.6
Compensation
Participants will earn $50 and be paid via digital payments through Tango. (Payments will be sent electronically a few days after the study.) You may choose from 1,500+ payment options (via Tango), including Venmo, PayPal, Prepaid MasterCard, Prepaid Visa, and Amazon. More information about TangoCard payments is available online.
Free food and drinks will be available afterwards as well.
When and where?
We will meet at 5pm on Wednesday, February 26th in Reiss 112. The study will last until 7:30pm, at which time food and drinks will be available.
If you are interested in participating, please complete the registration form.
Questions?
For questions about this study (IRB Study: STUDY00008268), please contact the research team, led by Professor Micah Sherr, at imstudy@georgetown.edu.