Hypernudging in the Digital Era: Exploring the Impact and Ethical Considerations of Advanced Behavioral Interventions
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31316/ubmj.v4i2.7947Keywords:
hypernudge, behavior interventions, algorithms, decision making, ethical considerationAbstract
Purpose: This conceptual review explores the phenomenon of “hypernudging” advanced, algorithm-driven behavioral interventions in digital environments. It aims to distinguish hypernudging from traditional nudging, assess its ethical implications, and propose a comparative framework to guide future research.
Design/methodology/approach: The study uses a conceptual narrative review method, drawing on interdisciplinary literature from behavioral economics, digital governance, and information systems.
Findings: Hypernudging introduces a unique form of behavioral influence marked by personalization, algorithmic opacity, and real-time adaptability. While enhancing digital decision-making efficiency, it challenges core ethical principles such as transparency, autonomy, and accountability.
Originality/value: This paper contributes by introducing a novel comparative matrix differentiating nudging types and proposing an ethical evaluation lens based on autonomy theory and algorithmic accountability.
Limitations: This paper is limited to a conceptual nature; future empirical validation is needed in real-world digital contexts and across diverse populations.
Practical implications: Understanding hypernudging can guide digital marketers, policy designers, and technology developers to ethically design interventions that respect user autonomy while effectively influencing decision-making in digital spaces.
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