Nudge Theory
Nudge Theory, rooted in behavioral economics, social psychology, and related sciences, proposes modifying the decision environment to influence group or individual behavior and decision-making. It suggests subtle changes in choice architecture to encourage desired behaviors without resorting to traditional methods like education or enforcement. Popularized by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein’s 2008 book, this approach involves subtly altering the environment to prompt automatic cognitive processes that steer individuals toward preferred outcomes, thus increasing the likelihood of specific decisions or behaviors.