How will immersive worlds change our behavior?
Behavioral science can help us design immersive experiences that improve lives rather than harm them.
Behavioral economics can help us explore how immersive worlds may change behavior.
Avoiding the mistakes of the recent past
Technology addiction
Design that maximizes engagement can harm wellbeing.
Exercise and mental health
Screen time can displace activity and connection.
Polarization and disconnection
Algorithms can isolate people in echo chambers.
Misinformation and critical thinking
Immersive content can be persuasive and hard to verify.
New tools for improving health and behavior
Reducing unconscious bias
Experiencing others' perspectives can build empathy.
Improving long-term behaviors
Simulations can make future consequences feel real.
Mental health benefits
Immersive therapy shows promise.
Consumer behavior in immersive worlds
The priming effect
Environments shape choices.
The paradox of choice
Too many options can overwhelm.
Artificial scarcity
Digital scarcity can drive value, and manipulation.
Principles for leaders
1. Think expansively
Consider broad effects on people and society.
2. Experiment and learn
Test carefully and measure outcomes.
3. Design for ethics
Put wellbeing ahead of engagement.
Summary
Immersive worlds will change behavior. Leaders can shape whether for better or worse.
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