ABSTRACT
The “control of behavior” is a stated goal of psychology. The Internet of Things offers a real potential to contingently influence health behaviors and improve outpatient support for addicts. In this chapter some of the human factors determining the likely efficacies of online interventions to assist addicts in their goal of abstinence are outlined (e.g. strength of checking behaviors). Some of the limitations of current patient self-management are discussed: most people are intermittently connected to the Internet, and there are typically delays before a person responds to a message. People can be difficult to track online, as they may shift from service provider to service provider. People may be more receptive to advice when they lack confidence or have lost. When considering an Internet of People, developers of online interventions need to be aware that people tend to filter their communications with the Internet.
