Paid Smartphone Research Study in NYC – Multilingual Participants

Pay: $1600 (fixed fee per project)

Client: Toloka AI B.V.

Study participant description

Mindrift is conducting a research study exploring how people use smartphones, apps, and everyday digital tools across different languages and cultural contexts.

We’re looking for adults in New York City with experience using one of the languages listed below in their everyday digital activities to participate in a paid, in-person research study in Midtown Manhattan.

The study requires 16 hours of in-person participation over two consecutive days (9:00 AM–5:00 PM each day), with the possibility of a third day, for up to 24 hours total. Study sessions are scheduled through the end of November.

Why your experience matters

Digital products are used by people with different language backgrounds and communication preferences. This study aims to help researchers better understand how people use their devices across languages and contexts, informing the development of more accessible and effective digital experiences.

What you’ll do

• Participate in research sessions with our team in Midtown Manhattan over three consecutive days.
• Walk us through how you use your smartphone and preferred apps in everyday life.
• Share examples of your everyday digital activities, subject to your consent and the study’s privacy guidelines.
• Complete a short questionnaire about your digital habits.

Who can participate?

Participants must meet the following study-related criteria:

• Be at least 18 years old and currently reside in New York City.
• Have advanced, native-level, or equivalent proficiency in at least one of the following languages, with experience using it in everyday digital communication:
• • Arabic
  • Danish
  • Dutch
  • Finnish
  • French
  • German
  • Hebrew
  • Italian
  • Japanese
  • Korean
  • Polish
  • Portuguese
  • Swedish
• Have used a smartphone as their primary personal device for at least three years.
• Regularly use at least one of the qualifying languages for activities such as texting, email, or taking notes.
• Be comfortable communicating in English during research sessions.
• Be available for three consecutive days during one of the scheduled study periods.

Compensation

Participants who complete the study will receive $1,200–$1,600 for the full study, subject to the applicable participation and compensation terms provided before enrollment.

On the format: this is a paid, in-person research study, not an employment assessment, so participants don’t need any specific professional background.

Voluntary participation and privacy

Participation is voluntary. Before the study begins, participants will receive a consent form explaining the research activities, compensation terms, data collection practices, and applicable privacy protections.

Participants may ask questions at any time and may withdraw from the study in accordance with the consent terms. Any sharing of personal device activity will be subject to the study's consent and privacy procedures.