Nudge

Definitions

1. A gentle push.
2. A feature of instant messaging software used to get the attention of another user, as by shaking the conversation window or playing a sound.
   Internet
3. The rotation by one step of a fruit machine reel of the player's choice.
4. The use of positive reinforcement and indirect suggestions as ways to influence.

Equivalents

Examples

“give⟳ someone a nudge”

“Since the machine was showing two lemons and a cherry, I decided to try⟳ a nudge.”

“All this experimentation is yielding insights into which nudges give⟳ the biggest shove. One question⟳ is whether nudges can be designed to harness existing social norms. In Copenhagen Pelle Guldborg Hansen, founder of the Danish Nudging Network, a non-profit organisation, tested two potential “social nudges” in partnership with the local government, both using symbols to try⟳ to influence⟳ choices.”

“Manipulating behavior is old hat in the private sector, where advertisers and companies have⟳ been nudging consumers for decades. Just think⟳ of strategically placed chocolate bars at the checkout counter. But in public policy, nudge proponents study⟳ human behavior to try⟳ to figure⟳ out why people sometimes make⟳ choices that they themselves would consider⟳ poor. Then they test⟳ small changes in how those choices are presented, to see⟳ whether people can be steered toward better decisions — like⟳ putting apples, not chocolate bars, at eye level in school cafeterias. […] It is tricky to run⟳ perfectly controlled experiments in real-life situations, but proving the worth of nudges is a central principle of the program⟳, Mr. Halpern said.”

“Grace is portrayed as an overly neurotic nudge who recites her own⟳ poetry, loves complicated situations, and is in the process⟳ of coming out to her liberal, middle class, Jewish parents.”

CEFR level