Nudges

Nudges are interventions in the realm of behavioral economics and political philosophy that aim to influence people's choices by altering the way options are presented, rather than by restricting freedom or changing economic incentives. Coined by Richard H. Thaler and Cass R. Sunstein in their 2008 book Nudge and later elaborated in the framework of libertarian paternalism, nudging relies on predictable patterns in human behavior to improve outcomes while preserving individual autonomy.

Techniques include default options, framing, simplification, timely reminders, and the use of social norms. Defaults (opt-out versus opt-in) are particularly powerful because many people adopt the pre-set choice. Nudges are distinguished from mandates or bans in that they do not prohibit options or impose heavy penalties, though they may still influence costs or effort.

Examples span organ donation programs with opt-out defaults, automatic enrollment in retirement plans, simplified forms, energy-use feedback, and reminders for vaccinations or tax filings. Nudges are applied across public policy, health care, finance, and environmental programs, with evidence varying by context and implementation.

Criticism centers on concerns about manipulation, transparency, and autonomy, as well as questions about equity and long-term effectiveness. Critics warn that nudges can be used inappropriately or disproportionately affect certain groups; proponents emphasize ethical design, disclosure, and ongoing evaluation.

See also libertarian paternalism, choice architecture, behavioral economics.