How can we change behavior in practice? Listen in as hosts Samuel Salzer and Aline Holzwarth speak with leading experts on all things behavioral science, design and beyond. The Behavioral Design Podcast from Habit Weekly and the Center for Advanced Hindsight at Duke University provides a fun and engaging way to learn about applied behavioral science and how to design for behavior change in practice.
AI Co-Therapists with Alison CerezoIn this episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, hosts Aline and Samuel talk with Dr. Alison Cerezo, a clinical psychologist, professor, and Senior Vice President of Research at Mpathic, a company developing AI tools that support therapists in delivering more empathetic and precise care.They explore the growing role of AI in mental health, from real-time feedback during therapy sessions to tools that help clinicians detect risk, stay aligned with best practices, and reduce bias. Alison describes how Mpathic works as a co-therapist—supporting rather than replacing the human element of therapy.The conversation also digs into larger questions: Can AI feel more empathetic than humans? How do we avoid over-reliance on machines for emotional support? And what does it really mean to design AI that complements rather than competes with people?This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of therapy, empathy, and AI—and what it looks like to build systems that enhance human care, not undermine it.--Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com.Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
Empathic Machines with Michael InzlichtIn this episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, hosts Aline and Samuel are joined by Michael Inzlicht, professor of psychology at the University of Toronto and co-host of the podcast Two Psychologists Four Beers. Together, they explore the surprisingly effortful nature of empathy—and what happens when artificial intelligence starts doing it better than we do.Michael shares insights from his research into empathic AI, including findings that people often rate AI-generated empathy as more thoughtful, emotionally satisfying, and effortful than human responses—yet still prefer to receive empathy from a human. They unpack the paradox behind this preference, what it tells us about trust and connection, and whether relying on AI for emotional support could deskill us over time.This conversation is essential listening for anyone interested in the intersection of psychology, emotion, and emerging AI tools—especially as machines get better at sounding like they care.--Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com.Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
How Do You Build a Moral AI? with Jana Schaich BorgIn this episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, hosts Aline and Samuel are joined by Jana Schaich Borg, Associate Research Professor at Duke University and co-author of the book “Moral AI and How We Get There”. Together they explore one of the thorniest and most important questions in the AI age: How do you encode human morality into machines—and should you even try?Drawing from neuroscience, philosophy, and machine learning, Jana walks us through bottom-up and top-down approaches to moral alignment, why current models fall short, and how her team's hybrid framework may offer a better path. Along the way, they dive into the messy nature of human values, the challenges of AI ethics in organizations, and how AI could help us become more moral—not just more efficient.This conversation blends practical tools with philosophical inquiry and leaves us with a cautiously hopeful perspective: that we can, and should, teach machines to care.— Topics Covered:What AI alignment really means (and why it's so hard)Bottom-up vs. top-down moral AI systemsHow organizations get ethical AI wrong—and what to do insteadThe messy reality of human values and decision makingTranslational ethics and the need for AI KPIsPersonalizing AI to match your valuesWhen moral self-reflection becomes a design feature—Timestamps:00:00 Intro: AI Alignment — Mission Impossible?04:00 Why Moral AI Is So Hard (and Necessary)07:00 The “Spec” Story & Reinforcement Gone Wrong10:00 Anthropomorphizing AI — Helpful or Misleading?12:00 Introducing Jana & the Moral AI Project15:00 What “Moral AI” Really Means18:00 Interdisciplinary Collaboration (and Friction)21:00 Bottom-Up vs. Top-Down Approaches27:00 Why Human Morality Is Messy31:00 Building a Hybrid Moral AI System41:00 Case Study: Kidney Donation Decisions47:00 From Models to Moral Reflection52:00 Embedding Ethics Inside Organizations56:00 Moral Growth Mindset & Training the Workforce01:03:00 Why Trust & Culture Matter Most01:06:00 Comparing AI Labs: OpenAI vs. Anthropic vs. Meta01:10:00 What We Still Don't Know01:11:00 Quickfire: To AI or Not To AI01:16:00 Jana's Most Controversial Take01:19:00 Can AI Make Us Better Humans?—
Understanding AI Risks with Peter SlatteryIn this episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, hosts Aline and Samuel are joined by Peter Slattery, behavioral scientist and lead researcher at MIT's FutureTech lab, where he spearheads the groundbreaking AI Risk Repository project. Together, they dive into the complex and often overlooked risks of artificial intelligence—ranging from misinformation and malicious use to systemic failures and existential threats.Peter shares the intellectual and emotional journey behind categorizing over 1,000 documented AI risks, how his team built a risk taxonomy from 17,000+ sources, and why shared understanding and behavioral science are critical for navigating the future of AI.This one is a must-listen for anyone curious about AI safety, behavioral science, and the future of technology that's moving faster than most of us can track.--LINKS:Peter's LinkedIn ProfileMIT FutureTech Lab: futuretech.mit.eduAI Risk Repository--Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com.Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
Enter the AI Lab: Insights from LinkedIn Polls and AI Literature ReviewsIn this episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, hosts Samuel Salzer and Aline Holzwarth explore how AI is shaping behavioral design processes—from discovery to testing. They revisit insights from past LinkedIn polls, analyzing audience perspectives on which phases of behavioral design are best suited for AI augmentation and where human expertise remains crucial.The discussion then shifts to AI-driven literature reviews, comparing the effectiveness of various AI tools for synthesizing research. Samuel and Aline assess the strengths and weaknesses of different platforms, diving into key performance metrics like quality, speed, and cost, and debating the risks of over-reliance on AI-generated research without human oversight.The episode also introduces Nuance's AI Lab, highlighting upcoming projects focused on AI-driven behavioral science innovations. The conversation concludes with a Behavioral Redesign series case study on Peloton, offering a fresh take on how AI and behavioral insights can reshape product experiences.If you're interested in the intersection of AI, behavioral science, and research methodologies, this episode is packed with insights on where AI is excelling—and where caution is needed.LINKS:Nuance AI Lab: WebsiteTIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction and Recap of Last Year's AI Polls06:27 AI's Strengths in Literature Review15:12 Emerging AI Tools for Research19:31 Evaluating AI Tools for Literature Reviews23:57 Comparing Chinese and American AI Tools26:01 Evaluating Literature Review Outputs28:12 Critical Analysis and Human Oversight35:19 The Worst Performing Model37:21 Introducing Nuance's AI Lab38:51 Behavioral Redesign Series: Peloton Example45:21 Podcast Highlights and Future Guests--Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com.Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
When to AI, and When Not to AI with Eric Hekler"People are different. Context matters. Things change."In this episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, Aline is joined by Eric Hekler, professor at UC San Diego, to explore the nuances of AI in behavioral science and health interventions. Eric's mantra—emphasizing the importance of individual differences, context, and change—serves as a foundation for the conversation as they discuss when AI enhances behavioral interventions and when human judgment is indispensable.The discussion explores just-in-time adaptive interventions (JITAI), the efficiency trap of AI, and the jagged frontier of AI adoption—where machine learning excels and where it falls short. Eric shares his expertise on control systems engineering, human-AI collaboration, and the real-world challenges of scaling adaptive health interventions. The episode also explores teachable moments, the importance of domain knowledge, and the need for AI to support rather than replace human decision-making.The conversation wraps up with a quickfire round, where Eric debates AI's role in health coaching, mental health interventions, and optimizing human routines.LINKS:Eric Hekler:TIMESTAMPS:02:01 Introduction and Correction05:21 The Efficiency Trap of AI08:02 Human-AI Collaboration11:04 Conversation with Eric Hekler14:12 Just-in-Time Adaptive Interventions15:19 System Identification Experiment28:27 Control Systems vs. Machine Learning39:44 Challenges with Classical Machine Learning43:16 Translating Research to Real-World Applications49:49 Community-Based Research and Context Matters59:46 Quickfire Round: To AI or Not to AI01:08:27 Final Thoughts on AI and Human Evolution--Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com.Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
Sci-Fi and AI: Exploring Annie Bot with Sierra GreerIn this episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, hosts Aline and Samuel dive into the ethical, emotional, and societal complexities of AI companionship with special guest Sierra Greer, author of Annie Bot. This thought-provoking novel explores AI-human relationships, autonomy, and the blurred line between artificial intelligence and the human experience.Sierra shares her inspiration for Annie Bot and how sci-fi can serve as a lens to explore real-world ethical dilemmas in AI development. The conversation covers the concept of reinforcement learning in AI and how it mirrors human conditioningThe gender dynamics embedded in AI design, and the ethical implications of AI companions. The discussion also examines real-life cases of people forming deep emotional bonds with AI chatbotsThe episode rounds out with a lively quickfire round, where Sierra debates whether AI should replace lost loved ones, act as conversational assistants for introverts, or intervene in human arguments.This is a must-listen for fans of sci-fi, behavioral science, and those fascinated by the future of AI companionship and emotional intelligence.LINKS:Sierra Greer websiteAnnie Bot – Official Book PageGoodreads ProfileTIMESTAMPS:01:43 AI Companions: A Controversial Opinion05:48 Exploring Sci-Fi and AI in Literature07:42 Introducing Sierra Greer and Her Book09:12 Reinforcement Learning Explained15:47 Diving into the World of Annie Bot23:17 Power Dynamics and Human-Robot Relationships32:31 Humanity and Artificial Intelligence41:31 Autonomy vs. Agreeableness in Relationships43:20 Reinforcement Learning in AI and Humans46:13 Ethics and Gaslighting in AI48:57 Gender Dynamics in AI Design57:18 AI Companions and Human Relationships01:06:45 Quickfire Round: To AI or Not to AI01:12:39 Final Thoughts and Controversial Opinions--Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com.Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
AI and Behavioral Science in Public Policy with Laura de Moliere In this episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, host Samuel Salzer is joined by Laura de Moliere, a behavioral scientist with deep expertise in applying behavioral insights to public policy. As the former head of behavioral science at the UK Cabinet Office, Laura has worked at the intersection of behavioral science and policymaking during some of the most high-stakes moments in recent history, including Brexit and COVID-19. Samuel and Laura explore the evolving role of AI in behavioral science, reflecting on how AI can enhance decision-making, improve policymaking, and surface unintended consequences. Laura shares her AI “aha moment”—when she realized the potential of large language models to support policymakers in making more behaviorally informed decisions. The discussion also covers the promises and perils of AI in behavioral science, the potential of synthetic users to test interventions, and the growing challenge of balancing AI's capabilities with human biases and policymaking needs. The episode wraps up with a playful quickfire round, where Laura debates the use of AI in everything from tax optimization to gamified urinals. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of AI, behavioral science, and public policy, offering a nuanced and thought-provoking perspective on the future of AI in decision-making. LINKS: • Laura de Moliere: • LinkedIn Profile • INCASE Framework on Unintended Consequences TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 A Surprise Gift 05:38 Reflections on 2025 09:28 AI and Behavioral Science 19:29 Introducing Laura de Moliere 21:30 Start of Laura interview 33:08 Applying Behavioral Science to AI and Government 35:16 Behavioral Science and AI: Use Cases and Impacts 36:32 Understanding and Interacting with AI Models 47:43 Synthetic Users and Their Potential 01:01:08 Quickfire Round: To AI or Not to AI 01:06:35 Controversial Opinions on AI -- Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com. Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
Predictions for 2025: AI, AGI, and the Future of Behavioral Science with Jared Peterson In this episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, host Samuel is joined by Jared Peterson, a behavioral scientist and expert in decision science at Nuance Behavior. Together, they explore some of the most pressing questions and exciting developments at the intersection of AI, behavioral science, and the future of human-centered design. The conversation highlights key advancements from 2024, including the rise of multimodal AI, breakthroughs in AI agents, and the transformative use of AI in scientific research. Samuel and Jared share bold predictions for 2025, tackling questions like: Will AI agents become trusted coworkers? Can AI revolutionize science? And how should we navigate the hype surrounding artificial general intelligence (AGI)? The discussion is packed with hot takes, nuanced perspectives, and thoughtful reflections, including Jared's controversial prediction about the future of AI in predicting research replicability. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the rapidly evolving AI landscape and its implications for behavioral science, creativity, and society at large. For questions or comments - email samuel@nuancebehavior..com LINKS: Jared's website Jared's linkedin The Science of Context A Failure to Disagree TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Meet Jared Peterson: Behavioral Scientist and AI Expert 01:01 – Reflections on 2024: Key Breakthroughs and Predictions 03:36 – The Multimodal Evolution of AI 10:06 – AI Surpassing Human Benchmarks 21:25 – The Rise of AI Agents and Synthetic Content 35:18 – Musical Turing Test: AI vs. Eurovision 43:26 –Predictions for 2025: AI Coworkers and Beyond 44:06 – AI Coworkers: The Future of Work? 51:11 – AI in Science: Revolutionizing Research 01:05:56 – The Hype and Reality of AGI 01:10:42 – Adoption Challenges and Future Predictions 01:25:40 – Final Thoughts and Controversial Predictions -- Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com. Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
Exploring Psychological Targeting and the Power of AI with Sandra Matz In this episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, hosts Aline and Samuel sit down with Sandra Matz, leading expert on psychological targeting and Associate Professor of Business at Columbia Business School. As a computational social scientist, Sandra uses Big Data analytics and experimental methods to study human behavior, uncovering how psychological traits influence business outcomes like financial well-being, consumer satisfaction, and team performance. The conversation covers how digital footprints from social media, GPS data, and more are leveraged to create psychological profiles, shaping everything from advertisements to decision-making. Sandra provides unique insights into the controversial Cambridge Analytica case and discusses the democratization of personalized content generation through tools like ChatGPT. Whether you're curious about personality psychology, the ethics of data privacy, or the evolving role of AI, this episode is a must-listen. LINKS: Sandra Matz: Sandra's Website Her New Book: Mindmasters Relevant Research and Resources: Cambridge Analytica and the Evolution of Psychological Targeting The Social Dilemma Documentary Big Five Personality Model Explained Moral Foundations Theory Overview TIMESTAMPS: 02:03 – Personality Tests09:23 – ChatGPT Gift Experiment19:50 – Introducing Sandra Matz21:35 – Understanding Psychological Targeting24:27 – Real-World Examples and Implications34:58 – Cambridge Analytica and Data Privacy39:38 – The Social Dilemma and Personality Representation41:19 – Understanding Personality Traits43:49 – Dynamic Personality and Context46:26 – AI's Role in Psychological Targeting50:32 – Generative AI and Personalized Content58:40 – Ethical Considerations and Future of AI01:11:40 – Final Thoughts and Sandra's New Book -- Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com. Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
Behavior Change Score with Roos van Duijnhoven In this special episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, host Samuel continues the mini-series featuring expert practitioners from the Nuance Behavior team. This week's guest is Roos van Duijnhoven, a behavioral scientist with a deep passion for designing human-centered digital solutions that drive meaningful behavior change. Samuel and Roos explore a wide range of topics, including the Behavior Change Score Framework, strategies for improving onboarding and retention in digital health products, and the importance of focusing on real-world behavior (‘big E' engagement) versus in-app behavior (‘little e' engagement). They also dive into insights from Nuance Behavior's ‘Behavior Change Score Report,' which evaluates fitness apps and provides actionable lessons for designing more effective digital interventions. This episode offers a treasure trove of insights for anyone interested in applying behavioral science to digital product design and health interventions! LINKS: Roos's LinkedIn The Behavior Change Score Report Nuance Behavior Website Engagement with Heather Cole-Lewis TIMESTAMPS 00:36 Meet Roos van Duijnhoven 01:06 Recap of Susan Murhpy episode 07:31 Insights from the Behavior Change Score Report 20:14 Big E vs. Little e Engagement: Real-World vs. In-App Behavior 26:31 Controversial Opinions: Electric Bicycles 29:32 Conclusion and Farewell -- Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com. Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
Real-Time Behavior Change Algorithms with Susan Murphy In this thought-provoking episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, hosts Aline and Samuel explore the cutting edge of AI in behavioral science with Professor Susan Murphy, a world-renowned expert in statistics and behavioral research. The conversation dives into Susan's groundbreaking work on micro-randomized trials and just-in-time adaptive interventions (JITAI) to create personalized, real-time behavior change algorithms. Together, they explore the role of reinforcement learning in adapting interventions over time, tackling ethical challenges, and sustaining user engagement in a rapidly evolving world. This episode also includes a fun "To AI or Not to AI" quickfire round and Susan's reflections on the "frontier" nature of behavioral science today, making this a must-listen for anyone passionate about technology, psychology, and innovation. LINKS: Susan Murphy's Faculty Page Learn more about JITAI Heart Steps Study Nuance Behavior Website TIMESTAMPS 01:00 – AI Voice Assistants in Everyday Life 07:22 – Introduction to Susan Murphy 08:06 – Micro-Randomized Trials Explained 11:08 – Just-in-Time Adaptive Interventions (JITAI) 27:19 – Reinforcement Learning and Behavioral Science 35:15 – Adaptive Algorithms for Personalized Support 40:30 – Micro-Randomization and Personalized Interventions 45:19 – Maintaining Engagement in Digital Interventions 49:51 – The Frontier Nature of Behavioral Science 51:39 – Quickfire Round: To AI or Not to AI 57:13 – Ethical Considerations in AI and Behavioral Science -- Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com. Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
AI Chatbots and Synthetic Users with Hassan Aleem In this special episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, host Samuel kicks off a new mini-series featuring expert practitioners from the Nuance Behavior team. This week's guest is Hassan Aleem, a respected behavioral practitioner with a Ph.D. in neuroscience and extensive experience in industries like fintech, health wearables, and public health. Together, Samuel and Hassan explore the fascinating intersection of AI and behavioral science. They discuss AI's impact on user research, the opportunities and challenges of AI-powered chatbots, the role of synthetic users in behavioral research, and the potential of AI to streamline literature reviews. The conversation culminates in a thought-provoking discussion: can AI truly understand and design for beauty? This episode is packed with insights on how AI can enhance behavioral science practice while emphasizing the irreplaceable value of human expertise. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Introduction to the Behavioral Design Podcast02:00 Meet Hassan Aleem: Neuroscientist and Behavioral Practitioner02:37 Exploring AI in Behavioral Science03:42 The Role of AI in User Research10:21 Chatbots and Behavioral Design18:50 AI in Literature Reviews and Research34:59 Can AI Understand Beauty?40:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts LINKS: Hassan's LinkedIn Nuance Behavior Website -- Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com. Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
Using AI to Change Human Behavior In this episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, hosts Aline Holzwarth and Samuel Salzer explore the fascinating intersection of AI and behavioral science with Amy Bucher, Chief Behavior Officer at Lirio. Together, they dive into the challenges and opportunities of integrating AI with behavioral science for health interventions, focusing on the critical need to design AI tools with human behavior in mind. Key topics include the role of reinforcement learning and precision nudging in behavior change, the importance of grounded behavioral insights to cut through AI hype, and Amy's experiences with personalized health interventions. Amy also sheds light on the effectiveness of digital tools in behavior change and shares her vision for the future of AI in behavioral health. Tune in for an insightful discussion on how behavioral science can shape the next generation of AI-driven health interventions! LINKS: Amy Bucher Lirio Website LinkedIn Profile Further Reading on AI and Behavioral Science: How Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence are Used in Digital Behavior Change Interventions: A Scoping Review The Power of Large Behavior Models in Healthcare Consumer Engagement Moral Agents for Sustainable Transitions Personalized Digital Health Communications to Increase COVID-19 Vaccination in Underserved Populations: A Double Diamond Approach to Behavioral Design The Patient Experience of the Future is Personalized: Using Technology to Scale an N of 1 Approach Digital Twins and the Emerging Science of Self: Implications for Digital Health Experience Design and “Small” Data Feasibility of a Reinforcement Learning–Enabled Digital Health Intervention to Promote Mammograms Precision Nudging and Health Interventions Reinforcement Learning in Behavior Change TIMESTAMPS: 00:30 Behavioral Science and AI: A Crucial Intersection 07:44 Introducing Amy Bucher 10:43 Scoping Review on AI in Behavior Change 16:05 Challenges and Misconceptions in AI 22:07 Reinforcement Learning and AI Agents 28:40 Designing Interventions with AI and Behavioral Science 31:32 Operationalizing Behavior Change Techniques 35:25 Challenges in Measuring Engagement 42:43 The Role of Behavioral Science in AI 46:53 Quickfire Round: To AI or Not to AI 49:25 Controversial Opinions on AI 53:52 Closing Thoughts and Acknowledgements -- Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com. Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
Debunkbot and Other Tools Against Misinformation In this follow-up episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, hosts Aline Holzwarth and Samuel Salzer welcome back Gordon Pennycook, psychology professor at Cornell University, to continue their deep dive into the battle against misinformation. Building on their previous conversation around misinformation's impact on democratic participation and the role of AI in spreading and combating falsehoods, this episode focuses on actionable strategies and interventions to combat misinformation effectively. Gordon discusses evidence-based approaches, including nudges, accuracy prompts, and psychological inoculation (or prebunking) techniques, that empower individuals to better evaluate the information they encounter. The conversation highlights recent advancements in using AI to debunk conspiracy theories and examines how AI-generated evidence can influence belief systems. They also tackle the role of social media platforms in moderating content, the ethical balance between free speech and misinformation, and practical steps that can make platforms safer without stifling expression. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone interested in understanding how to counter misinformation through behavioral science and AI. LINKS: Gordon Pennycook: Google Scholar Profile Twitter Personal Website Cornell University Faculty Page Further Reading on Misinformation: Debunkbot - The AI That Reduces Belief in Conspiracy Theories Interventions Toolbox - Strategies to Combat Misinformation TIMESTAMPS: 01:27 Intro and Early Voting06:45 Welcome back, Gordon!07:52 Strategies to Combat Misinformation11:10 Nudges and Behavioral Interventions14:21 Comparing Intervention Strategies19:08 Psychological Inoculation and Prebunking32:21 Echo Chambers and Online Misinformation34:13 Individual vs. Policy Interventions36:21 If You Owned a Social Media Company37:49 Algorithm Changes and Platform Quality38:42 Community Notes and Fact-Checking39:30 Reddit's Moderation System42:07 Generative AI and Fact-Checking43:16 AI Debunking Conspiracy Theories45:26 Effectiveness of AI in Changing Beliefs51:32 Potential Misuse of AI55:13 Final Thoughts and Reflections -- Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com. Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
The Role of Misinformation and AI in the US Election with Gordon Pennycook In this episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, hosts Aline and Samuel explore the complex world of misinformation in the context of the U.S. elections with special guest Gordon Pennycook, a psychology professor at Cornell University. The episode covers the effects of misinformation on democratic participation, and how behavioral science sheds light on reasoning errors that drive belief in falsehoods. Gordon shares insights from his groundbreaking research on misinformation, exploring how falsehoods gain traction and the role AI can play in both spreading and mitigating misinformation. The conversation also tackles the evolution of misinformation, including the impact of social media and disinformation campaigns that blur the line between truth and fiction. Tune in to hear why certain falsehoods spread faster than truths, the psychological appeal of conspiracy theories, and how humor can amplify the reach of misinformation in surprising ways. LINKS: Gordon Pennycook: Google Scholar Profile Twitter Personal Website Cornell University Faculty Page Further Reading on Misinformation: Brandolini's Law and the Spread of Falsehoods Role of AI in Misinformation The Psychology of Conspiracy Theories TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction 03:14 Behavioral Science and Misinformation 05:28 Introducing Gordon Pennycook 10:02 The Evolution of Misinformation 12:46 AI's Role in Misinformation 14:51 Impact of Misinformation on Elections 21:43 COVID-19 and Vaccine Misinformation 26:32 Technological Advancements in Misinformation 33:50 Conspiracy Theories 35:39 Misinformation and Social Media 42:35 The Role of Humor in Misinformation 48:08 Quickfire Round: To AI or Not to AI -- Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com. Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
In this spine-chilling Halloween special of the Behavioral Design Podcast, co-hosts Aline Holzwarth and Samuel Salzer take listeners on a journey into the eerie intersection of AI and behavioral science. They explore the potential ethical and social consequences of AI, from our urge to anthropomorphize machines to the creeping influence of human biases in AI engineering. The episode kicks off with the hosts sharing their favorite Halloween costumes and family traditions before delving into the broader theme of Frankenstein as an apt metaphor for AI. They discuss the human inclination to attribute human qualities to non-human entities and the ethical implications of creating machines that mirror humanity. The conversation deepens with reflections on biases in AI development, risks of ‘playing God,' and the tension between technological progress and human oversight. In a thrilling twist, the hosts read a co-authored sci-fi story written with ChatGPT, illustrating the potential dark consequences of unchecked AI advancement. The episode wraps up with Halloween-themed wishes, encouraging listeners to ponder the boundaries between human and machine as they celebrate the holiday. Timestamps: 03:38 – Frankenstein: Revisiting the original story 09:09 – Frankenstein's Modern AI Metaphor: Parallels to today's technology 18:06 – Reflections on AI and Anthropomorphism: The urge to humanize machines 36:31 – Exploring Human Biases in AI Development: How biases shape AI 42:06 – Trust in AI: Human vs. algorithmic decision-making 46:45 – The Personalization of AI Systems: Pros and cons of tailored experiences 49:10 – The Ethics of Playing God with AI: Examining the risks 55:56 – Concluding Thoughts and Halloween Wishes: Reflecting on AI's duality -- Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com. Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
In this episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, we delve into the world of AI recommender systems with special guest Carey Morewedge, a leading expert in behavioral science and AI. The discussion covers the fundamental mechanics behind AI recommendation systems, including content-based filtering, collaborative filtering, and hybrid models. Carey explains how platforms like Netflix, Twitter, and TikTok use implicit data to make predictions about user preferences, and how these systems often prioritize short-term engagement over long-term satisfaction. The episode also touches on ethical concerns, such as the gap between revealed and normative preferences, and the risks of relying too much on algorithms without considering the full context of human behavior. Join co-hosts Aline Holzwarth and Samuel Salzer as they together with Carey explore the delicate balance between human preferences and algorithmic influence. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of AI-driven recommendations! -- LINKS: Carey Morewedge: Google Scholar Profile Carey Morewedge - LinkedIn Boston University Faculty Page Personal Website Understanding AI Recommender Systems: How Netflix's Recommendation System Works Implicit Feedback for Recommender Systems (Research Paper) Why People Don't Trust Algorithms (Harvard Business Review) Nuance Behavior Website -- TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 The 'Do But Not Recommend' Game 07:53 The Complexity of Recommender Systems 08:58 Types of Recommender Systems 12:08 Introducing Carey Morewedge 14:13 Understanding Decision Making in AI 17:00 Challenges in AI Recommendations 32:13 Long-Term Impact on User Behavior 33:00 Understanding User Preferences 35:03 Challenges with A/B Testing 40:06 Algorithm Aversion 46:51 Quickfire Round: To AI or Not to AI 52:55 The Future of AI and Human Relationships -- Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com. Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
In the latest episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, we are excited to launch Season 4 with an in-depth exploration of how behavioral science and AI converge, setting the stage for an engaging and thought-provoking season. This episode tackles big questions around AI's growing influence, offering insights into both its promise and its challenges, especially as they relate to human behavior and decision-making. Join co-hosts Aline Holzwarth and Samuel Salzer as they introduce key themes for the season, including the profound implications of AI on behavioral science and society at large. The episode opens with breaking news from the AI world, such as the significance of neural networks, which serve as the foundation of modern AI systems. The hosts explain how neural networks work and contrast them with the extraordinary complexity of the human brain. The episode covers essential concepts for behavioral scientists, including large language models (LLMs), the backbone of generative AI, as well as prompt engineering and AI agents. These tools are transforming fields from healthcare to customer service, and the hosts break down their real-world applications, highlighting how they are used to enhance decision-making, automate workflows, and drive personalized interventions. Samuel and Aline debunk several common myths about AI, such as whether generative AI truly enhances creativity or if more complex models are always better. They also explore algorithmic bias versus human bias, discussing how AI can both amplify and address societal inequities depending on how it is designed and implemented. In “To AI or Not to AI”, this season's quickfire round, the hosts weigh in on whether they'd trust AI for tasks like driving their kids to daycare or offering relationship advice, sparking a thought-provoking discussion on AI's role in everyday life. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the evolving relationship between behavioral science and AI, offering both high-level insights and detailed explorations of the real-world implications of these technologies. -- TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 Introduction to the Behavioral Design Podcast 02:36 Breaking News 04:30 Understanding Neural Networks 09:38 The Beauty and Complexity of the Human Brain 17:37 Season Preview 21:53 Meet Your Hosts 29:00 Nuanced Behavior 30:43 AI 101 for Behavioral Scientists 44:14 Debunking AI Myths 01:02:15 To AI or Not to AI: Quickfire Round 01:14:45 Final Thoughts LINKS: Geoffrey Hinton's Talk on AI and John Hopfield's Contributions to Neural Networks Sherry Turkle's Memoir “The Empathy Diaries” Marvin Minsky and the Concept of the Brain as a Machine Cassie Kozyrkov's Blog on Machine Learning Sendhil Mullainathan's Paper on Algorithmic Fairness Nuance Behavior Website -- Interesting in collaborating with Nuance? If you'd like to become one of our special projects, email us at hello@nuancebehavior.com or book a call directly on our website: nuancebehavior.com. Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
Welcome to the latest Product Deep Dive!
Aarthi Rao leads behavioral insights at Cityblock Health, as their Vice President of Behavioral Insights and Strategic Engagement Innovation. Aarthi also founded the Design and Innovation Lab at CVS Health. Aarthi has successfully merged human-centered practices, such as design thinking, with behavioral science at Cityblock. She is a strong advocate for merging qualitative and quantitative methods to better design patient experiences. Today we spoke to Aarthi about how to reach hard-to-reach communities, designing the perfect pill bottle that fits into a patient's healthcare ecosystem, and so much more. Enjoy! -- Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
Steph Habif is known for a range of health behavior research and strategy, and for leading behavioral science at Tandem Diabetes. Today we chat with Steph about what she's doing at Tandem to design for diabetic patients, working at the intersection of behavioral science and human-computer interaction. We also went over what Steph called behavioral science's branding problem. Do you know someone who would enjoy Behavioral Design? Please tell them about us! Thanks for listening! -- Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
In this episode, we speak with Linda Babcock, Professor of Economics and former dean at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU). She's also the founder and faculty director of the Program for Research and Outreach on Gender Equity in Society (PROGRESS), also at CMU. Linda has a new book, The No Club: Putting a Stop to Women's Dead-End Work. During our conversation, we speak with Linda about why and what leads women to take on more "non-promotable tasks", how the work environment influences this and why the expectation is there in the first place. Happy listening! -- Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
In this episode, we speak with Mitesh Patel, a leading expert on the use of nudges, gamification, and wearables to improve health. Mitesh founded and led the Penn Medicine Nudge Unit and is currently the Chief Clinical Transformation Officer at Ascension. During our converstation, Mitesh discusses examples of behavioral design in the wild and how they can be used to encourage people to engage in healthy behaviors. Together we explore the topic of gamification and its potential use in encouraging exercise and discuss the application of behavioral science in healthcare. The episode includes a product deep dive into gyms and how they can be optimized using behavioral design principles. We hope you enjoy this episode! -- Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
Welcome to the latest Product Deep Dive!
In this episode, we're thrilled to host Nick Chater, an esteemed Professor of Behavioural Science at Warwick Business School. Nick is a leading figure in his field, focusing his research on the cognitive and social foundations of rationality. He is the co-founder and Director of the research consultancy Decision Technology Ltd, and has written engaging books like "The Language Game: How Improvisation Created Language and Changed the World" and "The Mind is Flat: The Remarkable Shallowness of the Improvising Brain". Join us as we delve into a captivating conversation with Nick on the application of behavioral science to public policy. We discuss the fascinating interplay between various branches of behavioral science and their implications in real-world policy decisions, bridging the gap between theory and practice. For our product deep-dive, we navigate the intriguing world of autonomous vehicles, examining their design and impact through the lens of behavioral science. In addition, we explore Nick's provocative paper co-authored with George Loewenstein on I frames vs. S frames. -- Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
In this episode we are delighted to welcome Paul Bloom, a distinguished developmental psychologist and Professor of Psychology at the University of Toronto. Paul has authored seven books, including Aginst Empathy and his most recent, Psych: The Story of the Human Mind. He is one of the leading thinkers in psychology and has dedicated his career to exploring how people, both children and adults, make sense of the world through language, morality, pleasure, pain, and religion. Join us as we engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Paul about the different subfields of psychology and what they can bring to the real world, from neuroscience to developmental psychology, cognitive, social, and clinical. This discussion evolves into a stimulating debate on the extent to which academia can truly contribute to industry. For our product deep-dive, we challenge Paul to consider how concepts and methods from behavioral science could be used to improve the Bible, and delve into his perspective on the age-old question of nature versus nurture in shaping our lives. This episode should be a fascinating listen for anyone interested in the human mind, behavioral science, and the intersection between academia and industry. Relevant links Paul's website Buy Psych: The Story of the Human Mind Check out Paul's podcast series Psych, hosted with our friend Dave Pizarro exploring concepts from his book Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
In this episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, we are delighted to speak with Dave Pizarro, esteemed professor at Cornell and Chief Science Officer at BE Works. Dave's extensive experience offers a unique perspective on the applications of behavioral science in both academic and industry settings. Join us as we engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Dave about his research on moral views and how they shape judgments and behavior. We delve into the power and intricacies of reinforcement, the challenges of conducting research and translating findings in an industry context, and Dave's most controversial opinion in behavioral science. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the intersection of behavioral science in academia and the real world, and the potential for collaboration between the two spheres. Relevant links Dave's website Dave's Twitter Dave's podcast Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
In the latest episode of the Behavioral Design Podcast, we are thrilled to have Heather Cole-Lewis, a renowned Behavioral Epidemiologist and Health Equity Clinical Scientist at Google. Heather is best known for her groundbreaking Big E, little e framework in the realm of digital health interventions. Join us as we dive into an engaging discussion with Heather about the intricacies of engagement in digital health interventions, including a deep dive into her Big E, little e model. Heather shares her unique insights on redesigning a product we all use on a daily basis, demonstrating a targeted approach that considers factors such as a person's background, goals, and specific context. We also explore the challenges of addressing health disparities and the importance of a more equitable approach to intervention development. Finally, Heather enlightens us on the significance of making a strong business case for behavioral science. This episode promises to be a captivating listen for anyone interested in digital health, behavioral science, and creating equitable solutions. Relevant links Connect with Heather on LinkedIn Read her research paper on Big E vs Little e framework Read her latest paper on how Large Language Models Encode Clinical Knowledge Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
Welcome to the latest Product Deep Dive!
In this episode, we have a fascinating conversation with Sanjay Srivastava, widely regarded as one of the world's leading personality experts. We explore various aspects of personality, from the famous Harry Potter house sorting to the intriguing curly fry problem. We delve into the impact of friction on user experience and outcomes, intentional and unintentional, and the potential of interventions based on personality traits. We also examine the stability of personality as a construct and discuss the design and use of corporate personality tests. As you'll notice, we shift our perspectives throughout the conversation, and the discussion takes unexpected turns. We are sure this should make for an engaging listen for anyone interested in the science of personality. Relevant links Connect with Sanjay on LinkedIn (or Mastodon) and check out this website. Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
Welcome to The Behavioral Design Podcast's newest series, Product Deep Dives!
In this episode, we speak with Laurie Santos, Professor at Yale. In addition to her research on primate decision-making, Laurie is an expert on the science of well-being. Her teachings on the psychology of the good life are some of the most popular of all time at Yale and on Coursera. She also has a free curriculum for high schools, and she even has her own podcast. We chatted with Laurie about shared living spaces and the importance of being social (even when we don't feel like being social!). We also compare happiness with psychological richness, and the pros and cons of self-monitoring. And as a special bonus, you get to hear Laurie's expert rendition of a primate's pant-hoot. Relevant links Laurie's website and twitter The Happiness Lab Podcast Laurie's course: The Science of Well-Being Sedaris on Fitbits Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
We're finally back!
We've reached the end of season 2 - yay!
In this episode, we speak with Irrational Labs' Lindsay Juarez about big questions in behavioral science, how to reduce misinformation on TikTok, and the importance of communities. Lindsay is Director at Irrational Labs, working on understanding and improving people's ability to take the daily behaviors that lead to happier, healthier, and wealthier lives. She was previously Senior Behavioral Researcher roles at the Center for Advanced Hindsight and has long experience helping companies use data and behavioral science insights to create and test more effective products and processes to drive behavior change. We had a fun conversation with Lindsay about everything existential in behavioral science, including the real impact of our field and how necessary are experiments, really? She also shares insights from a recent project aimed at reducing misinformation on TikTok. Enjoy! Relevant links about Lindsay Website Social Media: LinkedIn & Twitter TikTok whitepaper Tim Wilson Article Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
In this episode, we speak with Ingrid Melvær Paulin about all things digital health behavior, Gamification, and the right behavior change metrics. Ingrid is Director of Behavioral Insights at UnitedHealth Group. She applied behavioral science across vast areas of digital health behavior change, including previously being Director of Behavioral Insights at Rally Health and holding Senior Behavioral Researcher roles at the Center for Advanced Hindsight and Irrational Labs. She's also an amazing skier. We had a fun conversation with Ingrid about everything digital health behavior and beyond, including the importance of focusing on the right behaviors, ways Gamification can backfire, her famous spreadsheet of BS companies around the world, and much more. Enjoy! Relevant links about Ingrid Organizations spreadsheet: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Vtq-3NAqGrIJA155ATXrnogr0q3Q-TFYd8IdqnpxJxQ/edit?pli=1#gid=182512263 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ingrid-melvær-paulin-27543647/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/ingridmpaulin?lang=en Medium: https://medium.com/@ingrid.melvaer Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
In this episode, we speak with Eric J. Johnson about all things choice architecture and choice engines. Eric is professor at Columbia Business School at Columbia University and Director of the Center for Decision Sciences. His recently published book The Elements of Choice is a fascinating exploration of decision-making research revealing how choices are designed—and why it's so important to understand their inner workings. We had a fun conversation with Eric about everything choice architecture and beyond, including how to provide the right amount of options, the attributes of a good choice engine, and that there's no neutral choice architecture – the environment is always influencing our decisions one way or another. We also ask Eric to redesign popular digital products, including Tinder, Netflix, and Amazon. Relevant links Eric's website Twitter Book: The Elements of Choice Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
In this episode, we speak with the fantastic research duo Gabrielle Adams and Leidy Klotz about their work on the science of less: subtraction. Their research on the science of problem-solving has identified this fascinating bias against subtraction. In other words, when we solve problems, we tend to favor adding things over subtracting things, even when subtraction offers a better solution. We have a massive subtraction blindspot. We had a great discussion, exploring all aspects of subtraction, from their research to tips for how teams and individuals can overcome it and why "jeggings" are severely underrated. Enjoy! Related links: Their Nature research paper Leidy's book - Subtract: The Untapped Science of Less Gabe's website Leidy's website Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
In this episode, we speak with Liz Fosslien about how to make work better using nudges (and feelings!). Liz is the co-author and illustrator of the Wall Street Journal best-selling book No Hard Feelings and she's an expert on how to make work better. As the Head of Content at Humu, she uses behavioral science to help leaders and their teams make meaningful improvements. She's also a master illustrator and we'd be surprised if you haven't seen her "sprinkles of insights" across your social media feeds. We have a wonderful discussion, exploring how to make work life better, managing #WFH, why we might benefit from being less passionate about work and how the nudge engine at Humu helps people work together better. Related links: Liz's website Follow Liz on Instagram, LinkedIn & Twitter. Her book: No Hard Feelings Check out Humu IKEA containers Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
In this episode, we speak with none other than Dan Ariely. We assume most of our listeners are already familiar with Dan's work, and we cover plenty of ground in this fun and enlightening episode. You can expect to learn about why Dan began receiving death threats from COVID deniers, strategies for overcoming vaccination hesitancy, the promise of psychedelics for treating mental health, and lessons from Dan's personal journey. We also talk about couscous! Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
In this episode, we speak with Jay Van Bavel about all things identity. Jay is Professor at NYU and Director of the Social Identity & Morality Lab. His book "The Power of Us," co-authored with Dominic Packer, was just released on September 7th. It's a fascinating read that looks into how we can understand and harness our shared identities for personal and collective success. In this episode, we have a fun conversation with Jay about everything identity, including why we contain multitudes and how the social needs of belonging, uniqueness and status impact our identity. We also discuss how identity can be a double-edged sword, both able to spark unity and (sometimes) create division, and why bumper stickers are overrated. Relevant links Jay's website, Twitter, LinkedIn &, Instagram Book: The Power of Us Robbers Cave Experiment Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
In this episode, we speak with Ashley Whillans on time and how to spend it well ⏰. Ashley is a Professor at Harvard and author of Time Smart: How to Reclaim Your Time and Live a Happier Life. She's got a Ph.D. in Social Psychology and is an expert on time and how to spend it well. Her research investigates whether and how intangible incentives, such as experiential and time-saving rewards, affect employee motivation and well-being. She also works with organizations to help employees overcome time stress and thrive in their lives in and outside of the workplace. In this episode, we have a fun conversation with Ashley about her book, including discussing her research on people's perception of time and decision making, how to design better products and services based on these insights, and how to best decline an invitation (you're welcome). We hope you enjoy the episode! Relevant links Ashley's website, Twitter &, Instagram Missed Habit Day? No worries, here's link to the full event recording. Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
In this episode, we're speaking with behavioral science superstar Katy Milkman ⭐️ Katy has one of the most impressive resumes in the field – She's a professor at UPenn, Co-founder of the Behavior Change for Good Initiative with Angela Duckworth, Host of Choiceology podcast (much more refined than ours), and Author of a new book: How to Change: The Science of Getting From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be. Some of our favorite research from Katy includes Fresh Start Effect, Temptation Bundling, Implementation Intentions, and most recently, she's pioneered the mega-study (what works to promote exercise, vaccination) In this episode, we have a fun conversation with Katy about her book, including discussing personalization, temptation bundling, and what type of interventions are most effective. We also talk about her recent study on regret lotteries in Philly + much more! Relevant links How to Change Katy's website, Twitter &, Instagram Katy's newsletter Milkman Delivers (amazing name) Katy's Research Philly regret lottery Temptation bundling Fresh Starts Recent mega study Commitment Devices Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
We're back with Season 2 - yay! We start the new season with a bang as our first guest is none other than Emily Oster.
Matt Johnson is a professor, researcher, and writer specializing in the application of neuroscience and psychology to the business world and Prince Ghuman is an experienced marketer with great experience of applying neuroscience to marketing and business strategy. Together they've written the book Blindsight: The (Mostly) Hidden Ways Marketing Reshapes Our Brain. In this episode, we have a fun conversation with Matt and Prince about what the heck "Blindsight" is and what it has to do with decision-making, we dive into the ethics around using behavioral science for good (and for less obviously good “marketing” purposes) and how we can solve the thorny problem of tech addiction. Links and resources: Matt's LinkedIn & Twitter Prince's LinkedIn & Twitter Their book: Blindsight Their certification Their blog Support the podcast by joining Habit Weekly Pro
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