A second look at SecondLook: Design iterations and usability of digital dating abuse detection and awareness app

Digital dating abuse is a widespread problem, with one in three American teens experiencing this issue at some point in their lives through such electronic mediums as texting, social media, email, and phone calls. However, existing technology and non-technology based intervention programs have not effectively detected nor addressed the onset of this abuse. The goal of this research is to develop a mobile phone application that can detect digital dating abuse. Our prior publications described the focus group study associated with the design of this phone app and the implementation of the detection feature. This paper builds on this previous work and analyzes two usability studies conducted to reinforce issues related to the general usability of such a phone application as we work toward determining the needs of the target demographic. It also explores the challenges of using traditional means such as text illustrations to spread awareness about digital dating abuse in general and questions related to user-interface design and trust in an application with machine learning powered detection.