Nudge Theory: Highlighting the Influence of Others

In an ocean of people, how many of them do you think will have the same principles as you? Who among them will change that perspective yours? And what will happen if your opinions are change? Let us uncover the theory of Richard Thaler, an economist who discovered the nudge theory.

I am the type of person who makes choices simply because of empathy and it coincidentally aligns with others. I thought it was just really random not until I read this nudge theory. It now becomes clear that everyone makes decisions that are influenced by someone they admire or harbor deep feelings with and that decision aligns with them because it is somehow also connected with them. 

Understanding nudge theory has helped me see how these subtle influences shape our daily lives. For instance, when I saw a close friend enthusiastically using a reusable water bottle, I felt inspired to do the same. It wasn’t just about being environmentally friendly; it was about aligning myself with someone I respect and care about. This is a classic example of how nudges work through social influence.

Nudge theory shows that our decisions are often not as independent as we might think. Here are a few everyday examples where nudges influence our behavior through the power of social connections and empathy. Healthy eating habits, through social media I was encouraged to limit my soft drinks intake because of the dangerous effect of soda sugars in our body, and through patience and right mindset I am now able to control my thirst for sodas and opt for water only. Another example is my fear of direct sunlight. In highschool, I am really an outdoor girly and would let myself be under the sun for a period of time, but now that I learned from a dermatologist from tiktok that too much exposure in direct sunlight can damage your skin and can result to early signs of aging, I am now afraid of it hahaha, most of the time i will bring my umbrella with me or find some things to shed me from the sun.

These experiences really show how nudges, whether from friends, social media, or expert advice, can totally shape what we do and how we act. It's like these little nudges push us in certain directions without us even realizing it. But once we start paying attention to these subtle cues, we can actually make smarter choices and even help guide others in a positive direction. 

Getting into nudge theory not only gives us a better grip on why we do what we do, but it also gives us the power to set up environments that promote healthier and more thoughtful living. So, let's tune in to the nudges around us and use them to our advantage, making decisions that not only work for us but also benefit the whole gang.

Jovelyn Mondano

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