This shock bracelet wants to cure you of your junk food craving

Have you been trying to curb your midnight snacking, quit smoking, or wake up on time? This wristband may be the answer. 

No kidding, it will quite literally zap you to obedience. 

The logic behind the device named Pavlok is based upon classical conditioning, where just like Pavlov's dogs were trained to elicit certain behaviours with specific stimuli, humans can learn to avoid certain actions through shock therapy.

Available on Amazon, it is marketed to "help break bad habits by associating the discomfort of the electric jolt with the bad habit that is being performed."

WHAT IT CAN DO

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You can press a button to zap yourself when you see yourself reaching for that doughnut or ciggie - so we guess it's good for those who lack self-discipline but are able to be fully honest with themselves.

The device also has motion sensors that 'learn' from your actions and zap you when necessary.

It supposedly works best when the behaviours are as specific as possible, for example, if you are trying to kick a nail-biting habit, then the bracelet can deliver a jolt when your hand is detected near your mouth.

Even better (or scarier), family or friends who have downloaded the app to keep track of your activities can also zap you remotely. Yikes.

According to the website: “Pavlok is worn around your wrist and it uses a small electric zap by simply pushing the button on your wristband, or by remote control on the Pavlok smartphone app whenever you find yourself craving or actually doing the behaviour you want to get rid of.

“You’ll have full use of a remote control inside the app, to conveniently control your Pavlok from your phone and to set automated shock options for various habits."

Based on one online review, a small shock felt like a pin prick, while the highest level almost caused the reviewer to spill out of her chair. However, others have said the setting at 100 per cent "isn't that painful". 

According to its description, the device can deliver about 150 shocks a day, and claims to significantly reduce the targeted bad habit within three days.

While reviews on Amazon have been mixed, some reviewers said it seems to work especially well when it comes to jolting over-sleepers awake -- no surprises there. 

The wristband is still available on Amazon last we checked and goes for about US$200 (S$275), although it doesn't appear to ship to Singapore. 

But if you're on a diet, we think there are other less painful ways to learn how to eat better - do we really need a $300 device to keep us on our toes, or are we just gluttons for punishment?

candicecai@asiaone.com