When Nudge Comes to Shove: The Godfathers of Behavioral Economics Turn Against Their Creation

This episode explores the influential concept of 'nudge' in behavioral science, detailing its original vision as a subtle, libertarian paternalistic tool for guiding better decisions. It then examines how this idea has evolved and, in some cases, been misapplied, transforming into a 'shove' through practices like 'dark patterns' that prioritize commercial interests over individual welfare. Listeners will learn the critical distinction between ethical nudges and manipulative tactics, and the associated ethical dilemmas.