This story was created in collaboration with ChatGPT by OpenAI using the following input: “Write a fairytale story in which two behavioral scientists explores the efficacy of nudging”.
// Samuel Salzer // Dec 3
Once upon a time, in a kingdom far, far away, two behavioral scientists set off on a journey to explore the efficacy of nudging.
The first scientist, named Lily, was skeptical of nudging. She believed that it was overrated and that it didn't lead to lasting behavior change.
The second scientist, named Rose, was more open-minded. She believed that nudging could be effective in certain situations, but that it needed to be used carefully and thoughtfully.
As they traveled through the kingdom, they encountered many people who had been nudged in various ways. Some had been defaulted into saving for retirement, while others had been encouraged to recycle through the use of signs and stickers.
Lily was not impressed. She argued that nudging relied heavily on manipulation and didn't address the underlying motivations and beliefs that drive behavior.
Rose, on the other hand, argued that nudging could be a useful tool for influencing behavior in a positive way. She pointed out that many people who had been nudged had made better choices as a result.
The two scientists discussed their ideas and theories as they continued their journey deeper into the darker reaches of the kingdom.
As they made their way through a magical forrest, they encountered a wizard who claimed that nudging was the secret to success. He explained that those who used it were able to influence the behavior of others without them even knowing it. Magic! He also said that nudging could be used to make people to do things they normally wouldn't do by changing the default, no behavior change required.
The scientists were intrigued, but they weren't completely convinced as the wizard’s claims seemed unethical. They continued their journey, and soon they came across a dragon who said that nudging was overrated. He said that it was often used as a shortcut and that it lead to marginal behavior change (at best). He also said that people could become immune to nudges over time and that it could be used too often and in the wrong way.
Finally, just as the two scientists were discussing the dragons advice they reached a crossroads. There they encountered an old wise woman who told them, “The efficacy of nudging depends on the context. In some situations, it can be very effective. In others, it can backfire. It is important to recognize that nudging is a tool, and like any tool, it must be used wisely.”
Lily and Rose thanked the wise woman for her advice and began making their way back home.
After much debate, the two behavioral scientists came to a compromise. They agreed that nudging could be effective in some situations, but that it needed to be used carefully and thoughtfully. They also agreed that it was important to consider the potential downsides and ethical implications of nudging. After all, with power to change behavior come responsibility to understand the wants and needs of the people.
In the end, they concluded that nudging was not a magic solution, but something that could come in handy in the right context. And with that, they continued on their journey, determined to explore the many mysteries of behavioral science. What might they discover next?
Do you agree more with Lily or Rose? What did you make of their compromise? Share your thoughts via the comments.