Behavioural Public Policy Seminar 8 by Jan Michael Bauer

They will be discussed empirical aspects when contrasting work related to the justification of nudges with work focusing on removing sludge. Particularly when both concepts are considered as two sides of the same coin - alterations in the choice architecture that can either benefit or harm consumers - there is a conceptual symmetry accompanied by an empirical asymmetry regarding the required evidence to implement mirroring behavioural interventions. Effective sludge can be much easier discovered than shown to be harmful. Given the extensive use of sludge particularly in digital environments an excessively cautious approach to counter-nudging could become increasingly detrimental to consumers.