PolAlpha
Your phone already logs how you scroll. We're studying what it means.
PolAlpha is a pilot study from Aalto University looking at how social media use, search behavior, and everyday phone activity relate to well-being. Open to current Aalto students with an Aalto email address.
Who can participate
01We're recruiting a small pilot group of Aalto University students to test the study flow before the full study launches.
Registration is verified with your Aalto email address (@aalto.fi), so only current Aalto students can take part in this pilot.
What's involved
02Three steps, in order. The first two are required to take part; the third is entirely optional.
Register on this website
Sign up with your Aalto email address to confirm you're a current Aalto student, review and sign the consent forms, and answer a short baseline questionnaire.
Install the Aware app
We'll guide you through installing AWARE, which securely shares sensor readings and activity data from your phone.
Donate third-party data — optional
Give us access to data already held about you by services like Google and TikTok. You can skip this step entirely.
Data & privacy
03Your data, on your terms
All data is stored securely at Aalto University and used only for this pilot. Participation is entirely voluntary.
- Withdraw and request deletion of your data at any time, no reason needed.
- Compliant with GDPR and Aalto University's research ethics policies.
- Full details are in the Participant Information Sheet, Privacy Notice, and Consent Form, shown during registration.
Join the pilot
04Questions before you start? Email the research team at polalpha-study@aalto.fi.