Positive Computing

Can information systems be developed to support the unfolding of human potentials and create positive impacts for all stakeholders in the future? Can we change the development paradigms from overcoming barriers and improving (weak) acceptance towards a positive perception and impact for all stakeholders? These are the key questions of Positive Computing and related research for the Business and Information Systems Engineering (BISE) community in the next years. Positive computing denotes the ‘‘design and development of technologies to support well-being and human potential’’ (Calvo and Peters 2014). The concept is currently discussed as the ‘‘next big thing’’ in non-scientific publications (Rodruigez 2015). Up to now, technologies have mostly been seen as an obstacle or threat to potential users who develop fears, addictions, or similar negative behavior (‘‘the dark side of information technology’’; cf. Tarafdar et al. 2015). This is strongly reflected in implementation strategies as well as in theories for information and communications technology (ICT) usage and diffusion which – in many cases – start with the assumption that certain barriers need to be overcome to successfully adopt technologies. The idea of positive computing might change this negative paradigm towards one of positive usage, perception, and adoption of technologies. This new paradigm is rooted in positive psychology, a research trend aiming at emphasizing potentials instead of deficits of patients and at focusing on exploring conditions that promote people’s well-being and flourishing (Seligman and Csikszentmihalyi 2000). Similar approaches are positive technologies (Botella et al. 2012) or positive design (Faust 2009). The concept of positive computing also relates to current societal trends such as the development and use of e-health or well-being apps including public sharing of experiences (e.g., achievement of goals) and emotions.