Friday, October 16, 2009

The Fun Theory - An Example of Applied Behavioral Economics

TheFunTheory.com is a website "dedicated to the thought that something as simple as fun is the easiest way to change people’s behaviour for the better. Be it for yourself, for the environment, or something entirely different, just so long as it’s change for the better."

There is a Fun Theory Award of € 2500 (approximately $3721) for the best idea submitted by November 15, 2009. For example,
”Take the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator and feel better” is something we often hear or read in the Sunday papers. Few people actually follow that advice. Can we get more people to take the stairs over the escalator by making it fun to do? Go to the fun theory website to see several ideas for ways to nudge people into certain positive behaviors.

This is part of a field of study known as behavioral economics. Is it possible to improve the world by structuring society in a way that encourages people to make better choices?

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