From IoT to the Internet of Behaviors (IoB): A Systematic Review of AIoT-Driven Smart Nudging in Precision Health and Sustainability
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Abstract
The rapid proliferation of the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) has catalyzed a paradigm shift toward the Internet of Behaviors (IoB), transforming passive data collection into proactive, personalized behavioral interventions. This systematic literature review evaluates the empirical landscape of AIoT-driven smart nudging, specifically focusing on its transformative applications within the domains of precision health and environmental sustainability. Adhering to PRISMA guidelines, a concept-centric framework analysis was employed to systematically synthesize existing literature across application domains, underlying AI models, and specific behavioral nudge patterns. The review conceptualizes a "Perception-Cognition-Decision" closed-loop architecture that integrates the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) with Nudge Theory to bridge the persistent intention-behavior gap. Thematic findings demonstrate the clinical and environmental efficacy of Just-In-Time Adaptive Interventions (JITAIs) in chronic disease management and caregiver support, alongside macro- and micro-level eco-nudging strategies deployed in smart cities, commercial spaces, and e-commerce platforms to foster green consumerism. However, the unprecedented capabilities of the IoB also introduce severe ethical vulnerabilities. The study critically examines the dark side of algorithmic hypernudging and manipulative "sludge," proposing advanced privacy-preserving countermeasures such as federated learning, on-device contextual bandits, and the deployment of AIoT as a pre-conscious "System 0" cognitive firewall to safeguard user autonomy and agency. Ultimately, this review advocates for the integration of rigorous net-impact accounting (Energy ROI) and highlights the need for longitudinal validations, concluding that future AIoT choice architectures must balance algorithmic efficacy with ethical transparency, privacy, and user-centric design to sustainably empower society.
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