Peer-learning platforms for behavioral change

Unhealthy diets, or diets high in fats, sugars, and salts, are seen more often in people coming from lower socioeconomic statuses, with interrelated factors such as education level, income level and occupation. Approximately 83.72% (2022) of the world’s population owns a smartphone and as their use continues to grow, apps have become an incredibly effective way of providing information and resources to a wide audience. Using peer-learning platforms, where consumers can access lectures, publications, research tools and recorded material on a range of topics developed by scholars and practitioners working in the contexts of health and nutrition, has the potential to improve consumer education around healthy food behaviors and wellness.This could appear as a mobile game app designed to inspire behavioral changes and educate on healthy and sustainable food choices and food safety. The application’s primary beneficiaries could be children and adolescents, as well as adults. These platforms provide a channel for consumers to receive and share information or provide feedback (to businesses and with peers), as appropriate to the local context. A multi-stakeholder approach (health, environment, policy, etc…) should be taken during the development of the product. To have a higher-scale effect, governmental bodies could be involved in the process of funding, developing and sharing the app through advocacy campaigns or introducing it into schools.