According to the University of Pennsylvania study relating to social media, what happened to the group with health buddies over time?

• A. The group with health buddies improved over time
• B. The group with health buddies got worse over time
• C. The efficacy of the promotional messages stayed the same over time
• D. The efficacy of the promotional messages gained over time

Answer: (A)

Putting people in a health buddy system taps into social support, accountability, and shared motivation, which can sustain and strengthen healthy behaviors as a program progresses.

In the University of Pennsylvania study, the group with health buddies showed improvement over time because ongoing peer interactions provided reinforcement, reminders, and encouragement. The social engagement helps people stay committed to healthier choices beyond the initial exposure, leading to a gradual, lasting gain rather than a flat or declining effect.

So, the best explanation is that the group with health buddies improved over time.