Why has the average engagement time for Pear Therapeutics's reSET substance use disorder app decreased by 15 minutes per session in the past two weeks?

Introduction

The recent 15-minute decrease in average engagement time for Pear Therapeutics's reSET substance use disorder app is a concerning trend that requires immediate attention. To address this issue, I'll employ a systematic approach to identify, validate, and resolve the root cause while considering both short-term fixes and long-term strategic implications.

Step 1

Clarifying Questions (3 minutes)

• Looking at the timing, I'm thinking there might have been a recent app update. Has there been any significant changes to the app's features or user interface in the past month?

Why it matters: Recent changes could directly impact user engagement. Expected answer: Yes, there was an update two weeks ago. Impact on approach: If confirmed, we'd focus on analyzing the changes made in that update.

• Considering user segments, I'm curious about the distribution of this decrease. Is the 15-minute drop consistent across all user groups, or are certain demographics more affected?

Why it matters: Helps identify if the issue is universal or specific to certain user types. Expected answer: The decrease is more pronounced in newer users. Impact on approach: We'd investigate onboarding processes and new user experience if this is the case.

• Given the nature of the app, I'm wondering about external factors. Have there been any recent changes in substance use treatment guidelines or regulations that might affect how people use the app?

Why it matters: External factors could influence user behavior independently of the app itself. Expected answer: No significant regulatory changes. Impact on approach: If confirmed, we'd focus more on internal factors and user experience.

• Thinking about data accuracy, has there been any change in how engagement time is measured or reported in the last month?

Why it matters: Ensures we're dealing with a real issue and not a measurement anomaly. Expected answer: No changes in measurement methods. Impact on approach: If confirmed, we can confidently proceed with analyzing user behavior and app performance.