Independently testing prosocial interventions: Methods and recommendations from 31 researchers

There is a growing need for independent, ecologically valid research on prosocial design interventions within online platforms. Platform design has a significant impact on user interactions, yet independent researchers often lack access to live platforms, limiting the ecological validity of studies that test the effectiveness of prosocial interventions. In response, thirty-one experts from academia, industry, and civil society gathered for a workshop focused on understanding methods that enable effective research on design interventions that result in prosocial outcomes, such as healthy interactions and individual safety, wellbeing, and dignity. This paper synthesizes the workshop findings to guide researchers and practitioners in advancing prosocial design and to provide stakeholders—platforms, advocacy groups, and regulators—with evidence-based tools to promote healthy online behavior. First, we present an in-depth review of the dominant research methods in the field as identified in the workshop. Second, we highlight challenges that workshop participants agreed were most prominent, such as the constant 'reinvention of the wheel' for intervention testing, and recommend how to deal with them. Finally, we propose specific future actions to address challenges in the areas of knowledge sharing, events, and supporting infrastructure that experts consider most worth pursuing, laying out an agenda for future online prosocial research and investment.