verdivert

Verdivert is a theoretical construct in value theory and economic design describing the redirection of perceived value from one object, service, or outcome to another within a system. Value here is treated as a relation between actors, information, and incentives, not just intrinsic quality. The term is a neologism used in academic and policy discussions to analyze how framing, data presentation, and institutional rules shape what agents consider valuable.

Mechanisms include information asymmetry, marketing framing, recommender systems, and governance choices in platforms or markets. By altering attention, perceived risk, or opportunity costs, verdivert shifts demand curves or willingness-to-pay without necessarily changing physical attributes. It can arise from design decisions, subsidies, taxes, or competitive dynamics that prefer certain features or ecosystems.

Applications range from digital marketplaces to public policy and consumer welfare analysis. When aligned with social goals, verdivert can redirect value toward beneficial activities; when misused, it may extract surplus or cause misallocation by distorting true preferences or exploiting behavioral biases.

Critics note that the concept is broad and potentially tautological, and that measuring verdivert separately from existing concepts like framing effects, value transfer, or market power can be difficult. Related ideas include framing, price signaling, and the attention economy.