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Are Those Points in Your Pocket or are You Happy to See Me?

Students at over 200 college campuses throughout the United States are finding motivation to turn off their phones on campus. “Pocket Points” is a smartphone app that rewards students with discounts and free food at local eateries. The catch: to earn points, the students must let the app lock down their phone while on campus so they’ll pay better attention in class. “Of course, you’d hope students would stay off their phones in class anyway,” says Wichita (Kan.) State student body President Paige Hungate. “Basically it’s just encouraging them to do what they really already should be doing. But this way it gives you an incentive.” Hungate said she sees students using phones in class daily, and is often tempted to check her own phone, “but then I realize I’m tabulating Pocket Points,” she said. “I went to Dairy Queen the other day and used 40 Pocket Points to get a free Blizzard.” (MS/Wichita Eagle) ...Next up: The same app for drivers.