Hoos Go!: A Gamified Mobile App for Exploring Grounds and Building Community at UVA; Algorithms That Shape Us: Power, Design, and Personalization Online 8 views

This undergraduate thesis portfolio integrates a technical capstone project and a Science, Technology, and Society (STS) research paper to examine how technology shapes human behavior and social interaction. The capstone project, Hoos Go!, is a gamified, location-based mobile application designed to encourage University of Virginia students to explore their environment and build in-person social connections. Developed using Flutter, Firebase, and Google Maps SDK, the app incorporates gameplay elements and social features to incentivize engagement. A beta test demonstrated usability and user enjoyment, suggesting that intentional, gamified design can foster meaningful real-world interaction. Complementing this work, the STS research paper analyzes how social media algorithms are socially constructed and how they influence user behavior. Drawing on frameworks such as the Social Construction of Technology and technological momentum, the study argues that algorithmic systems reflect the priorities of stakeholders and, once implemented, shape user experiences through personalized feedback loops. These systems can reinforce behaviors, influence perceptions, and raise ethical concerns related to power, privacy, and autonomy. Together, these projects highlight the dual role of technology as both a designed tool and a social force. By combining hands-on development with critical analysis, this portfolio underscores the importance of designing systems that not only engage users but also promote ethical, transparent, and socially beneficial outcomes.

BS (Bachelor of Science)

Gamification; Algorithmic Surveillance; Social Media

School of Engineering and Applied Science Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Technical Advisor: Mark Sherriff STS Advisor: Bryn Seabrook Technical Team Members: Rory Kretzer, Mila Ranocha, Jessica Tierney

2026-05-06