What is a nudge?
Coined by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein, a nudge is any aspect of choice architecture that alters people's behavior in a predictable way without forbidding any options or significantly changing their economic incentives.
Tricks promoters use to watch out for
Default Options
Pre-checked boxes for subscription or add-ons require you to actively uncheck them.
Foot-in-the-Door Phenomenon
Prices gradually rising. Since you already paid a price, you're more likely to agree with the next.
Anchoring
Shows a high "original price" slashed to a "sale price" even if the original price was never real.
Using Nudges for Good
Nudges aren't just academic concepts confined to psychology and economics, they're tools that can be applied to our daily lives. Typically, they are used by policymakers to encourage people to make better decisions. However, we are able to "nudge" ourselves as well as the people around us.
Nudges you can try Today
Healthy Eating
Place fruits on your counter in your line of vision to snack healthier
Portion Control
Use smaller plates to eat less
Reduce Scrolling
Set phone to grayscale mode
Exercise
Lay out workout clothes the night before
Save Money
Automate savings transfers
Recycle More
Make recycling bins more accessible