Search for: All records

It is well known that text-based passwords are hard to remember and that users prefer simple (and non-secure) passwords. However, despite extensive research on the topic, no principled account exists for explaining when a password will be forgotten. This paper contributes new data and a set of analyses building on the ecological theory of memory and forgetting. We propose that human memory naturally adapts according to an estimate of how often a password will be needed, such that often used, important passwords are less likely to be forgotten. We derive models for login duration and odds of recall as a function of rate of use and number of uses thus far. The models achieved a root-mean-square error (RMSE) of 1.8 seconds for login duration and 0.09 for recall odds for data collected in a month-long field experiment where frequency of password use was controlled. The theory and data shed new light on password management, account usage, password security and memorability. 

Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) methodology was used to examine the emotional context of nonsuicidal self‐injury (NSSI). Forty‐seven adolescents and young adults used a novel smartphone app to monitor their emotional experiences,NSSIthoughts, and NSSI behaviors for 2 weeks. Momentary changes in both negative and positive emotions predicted greater intensity ofNSSIthoughts at the subsequent assessment, while only increases in negative emotion predictedNSSIbehaviors. Immediately followingNSSIbehaviors participants reported reduced high‐arousal negative emotions and increased low‐arousal positive emotions, suggesting thatNSSImay be an efficient and effective method of regulating emotion. Findings highlight the importance of addressing emotion regulation inNSSIinterventions.