Masonboro Island Case Study

Masonboro Island is a beautiful and unique natural feature near Wilmington, North Carolina, accessible to the public only by boat. This diminutive island is a popular party spot during summer. But, as with all alcohol fueled frolics, there are some negative side effects of the public use of Masonboro Island. Trash and litter left behind by party-goers creates a major ecological and aesthetic problem both for the island itself and the surrounding waterways. In order to address the excess of litter on Masonboro Island, a behavior change program should be initiated which integrates behavioral analytic techniques, a mass media campaign and public education while also considering various environmental psychology issues relating to areas such
Considering how many young people are likely to visit Masonboro Island, social media is an absolutely vital aspect of reaching the target group. Social media pages serve as both an educational and a mass media vehicle, providing a cost effective, quick, and interactive way to reach people. When the initial survey is issued to the community, it should include a flier asking people to join the page. The page could also be shared and publicized with other local group pages such as those for marinas, tourism, local government, wildlife and preservation groups, or any others that may be seen by the target group. One important function of this page is information provision, or educating people about the problem on Masonboro and suggesting viable solutions. According to the knowledge-deficit model, people do not always know about a specific environmental problem or how to fix it. Providing information that is tailored to the target group, specifically describes the problem, and suggests realistic solutions will help the target group realize the importance of their own role in the problem. While providing this information, it may be helpful to use fear as a motivator. Highlighting consequences such as the death of wildlife or the closure of the island to the public may help encourage change, as long as solutions are also presented. Another approach to educating the target group may be to use modeling as a way to teach solutions to the problem. People often learn socially by looking at the behavior of others to determine the appropriate action. The social media page could publish photos of individuals picking up trash along with statistical data to explain the importance of doing so. In addition to information provision, the social media page will act as a hub for other behavioral interventions, discussed