Abstract

Engaging in physical exercise supports both mental and physical health, contributing positively to overall well-being. Motivation plays a crucial role in initiating and sustaining regular exercise. Mobile activity-tracking apps aim to enhance user motivation and engagement by incorporating features such as social interaction. Among various physical activities, running stands out because it requires minimal resources such as equipment, a specific venue, or a partner. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the social interaction features of activity-tracking apps and runners’ motivation. Key social features were identified by analyzing three widely used apps. Data was collected through an online survey involving 120 active runners, followed by in-depth interviews that explored underlying motivational drivers and patterns of social interaction. The results indicate that social features positively influence users’ motivation to run. Moreover, various factors that shape users’ experiences with these features were examined. The findings of the study are presented as recommendations for future researchers and designers. Using these findings, the design of activity-tracking apps can be revisited to maximize runners’ motivation and overall experience. The results also have wider relevance for product development, suggesting that aligning social features with users’ motivational needs may enhance long-term engagement and promote sustained interaction with the app.