Are We Willing to Nudge Ourselves?: Paper Summary
We can use nudges to improve our health decision-making, like walking more or drinking less. But are we willing to nudge our own behavior?
We can use nudges to improve our health decision-making, like walking more or drinking less. But are we willing to nudge our own behavior?
Imagine someone offers you an invisible tool to improve your health, better manage your finances, or ditch that pesky pack of cigarettes. Would you accept it? Or would you back away slowly?
This isn't just a thought experiment; it's a real question about behavioral interventions (BIs). While BIs come in all shapes and sizes, this study focused on the first level of BIs: the individual.1
Individual BIs are implemented by the person changing their own behavior. Think of an app that encourages you to quit smoking, or a reminder on your fridge to eat more vegetables. Individual BIs are small pushes to change our patterns for the better – whatever ‘better’ might mean for you.
BIs can be an easy, cost-effective way to change our behavior. But are we willing to be nudged for our own good?
Sources
- Cutler, D. M. (2004). Behavioral Health Interventions: What Works and Why? From Critical Perspectives on Racial and Ethnic Differences in Health in Late Life. Washington, DC: National Academies Press.
