AlarmCare: Exploring Mobile Alarm as a Supportive Communication Channel Between Peers

The use of ubiquitous computing for supportive communication in the constantly evolving field of mobile technology to improve mental health support between peers is significant. We designed and implemented AlarmCare, a mobile application for creating alarms on peer's smartphone with a mentally supporting text and voice message. We conducted a one-week, explorative study with eighteen participants to understand how mobile alarms were used as a supportive communication channel between peers. The findings indicate that peer created alarms decreased depressive emotions and fostered positive socially supporting emotions including but not limited to 'Sense of being cared for' and 'Sense of togetherness'. Our study reveals the potential of mobile alarms as a viable tool which can be utilized in daily communications for enhancing mental health.