Book Review: Nudge

In general, a nudge is something that gently moves you in a specific direction. We have them all around us. These can be used for good or for bad. In this book, the authors tackle the general idea of a nudge (good things), or its opposite, sludge (dark things). The chapters have some specific topics where the idea of a ‘nudge’ has been used to move people’s choices in a specific direction.

I found this book challenging. On the one hand, it is fascinating to look at the idea of nudging people in specific directions. It’s also sobering since someone is deciding which direction is best, or most preferred, and the morality of that is a factor. Also, I was distracted when thinking of how we might be nudging people to specific solutions; where we are being nudged as a business or individuals; and how we might use some of these tools to help others;  did we send them in the right direction?

One topic tackled was school cafeterias. Who doesn’t want good nutrition for our students? Where the foods are placed, how they’re presented, and what is offered can greatly impact selection. For those responsible for our children’s nutrition, what about the potential to be influenced by discounts on specific items, personal preferences imposed on the students, and so on. Another big topic in the book is the selection of retirement programs, opting in or out, default choices, and even the risk that what were good options may become corrupt over time. Much to think about from the consumer perspective as well as the business one. Recommended! – CMW