Why are we so uncomfortable with the idea of being manipulated when we do it to others all the time? When you smile in a job interview, you’re trying to make the interviewer warm to you. When you go on a date, you think about the location, the ambiance, the food and wine—all in an effort to exert influence. Doctors and shopkeepers alike offer options with the intention of pushing people to make certain choices. You might refer to these behaviors as “nudges”: subtle modifications in the presentation of a set of options that affect a person’s automatic, rather than rational, cognitive processes. In recent years, even governments have seized on the tactic. In 2010, inspired by Nobel Prize-winning economist Richard Thaler, and the book he co-authored, Nudge: Improving Decisions About Health, Wealth, and Happiness, the British government set up its Behavioural Insights Team to apply these theories to public policy. Several similar “nudge This story is from Kinfolk Issue Thirty Buy Now Related Stories Arts & Culture Issue 28 On Judging Others How to find the benefit of doubt. Arts & Culture Issue 51 Emily Gernild The Danish painter breathing new life into an old medium. Arts & Culture Food Issue 51 Imogen Kwok The artist takes food styling quite literally, creating accessories out of fruits and vegetables. Arts & Culture Design Issue 51 How to Make a Chair And do it on a tiny budget. Arts & Culture Issue 51 Odd Jobs The comedian with strong opinions about your home décor. Arts & Culture Issue 51 Tall Order The hidden depths of height.
Arts & Culture Food Issue 51 Imogen Kwok The artist takes food styling quite literally, creating accessories out of fruits and vegetables.
