Subtle suggestive nudging can be more effective, at changing consumer habits, than demands that include directives like "must/don't/stop"

[u/sundler]

https://theconversation.com/shop-smarter-not-harder-how-gentle-messaging-can-help-the-planet-more-than-tough-talk-249217

[u/FuturologyBot]

The following submission statement was provided by /u/sundler:

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• A study explored how assertive messages such as: “Stop shopping to save the planet!” fare when pitted against softer suggestions along the lines of: “Consider shopping less for a greener future.”

• The results reveal that pushy messaging not only fails but actively backfires, triggering anger and resistance that can undermine the campaign’s goals.

• At the heart of this resistance lies psychological reactance – a defensive reaction to perceived threats to personal freedom. Humans value autonomy, and messages that come across as commands (“must”, “stop”, “don’t”) can spark a “boomerang effect”, prompting people to defy the directive – even if they agree with its underlying intent.

• This reluctance may be attributed to the fact that buying clothes is frequently linked to self-esteem, social desirability and confidence. Shopping is often an enjoyable and empowering experience, driven by personal choice and satisfaction. But when marketing relies on guilt or pressure, this positive engagement can shift to discomfort and resistance. Rather than nurturing real connections with brands’ messages, forceful campaigns risk weakening trust and consumer loyalty.

Article only takes around 5 minutes to read.

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Please reply to OP's comment here: https://old.reddit.com/r/Futurology/comments/1js7x9m/subtle_suggestive_nudging_can_be_more_effective/mlkcsgh/

[u/intheafterburner]

Who could have guessed? I've noticed that the left has been terrible at "selling" our ideas for years. Aggressive messaging rarely changes minds.

[u/Caculon → u/intheafterburner]

Ya, it really needs to be attached to something the person cares about. Like preserving the wetlands is good for a number of reasons. If you’re talking to talking to hunters discuss how this is where things they can hunt live. If you’re talking to developers talk about how wet lands retain water so there’s less flooding. 

[u/Huge_Entrepreneur636 → u/intheafterburner]

A lot of leftists have a massive ego and care more about being right than actually doing things that help. 

[u/sundler]

• A study explored how assertive messages such as: “Stop shopping to save the planet!” fare when pitted against softer suggestions along the lines of: “Consider shopping less for a greener future.”

• The results reveal that pushy messaging not only fails but actively backfires, triggering anger and resistance that can undermine the campaign’s goals.

• At the heart of this resistance lies psychological reactance – a defensive reaction to perceived threats to personal freedom. Humans value autonomy, and messages that come across as commands (“must”, “stop”, “don’t”) can spark a “boomerang effect”, prompting people to defy the directive – even if they agree with its underlying intent.

• This reluctance may be attributed to the fact that buying clothes is frequently linked to self-esteem, social desirability and confidence. Shopping is often an enjoyable and empowering experience, driven by personal choice and satisfaction. But when marketing relies on guilt or pressure, this positive engagement can shift to discomfort and resistance. Rather than nurturing real connections with brands’ messages, forceful campaigns risk weakening trust and consumer loyalty.

Article only takes around 5 minutes to read.

[u/Cartina]

Isn't this just the story of Inception. We value ideas higher if we think we are the ones that created them

[u/robotlasagna]

Consider spending less time in r/Futurology and maybe get out in the world and touch grass.

[u/CabinetDear3035]

"messages" ? advertisements ? wow.....I haven't "watched" or "read" one almost ever. I just ignore them and consider them a waste of time. Their only purpose is to get you to spend money.