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The Ethics of Behaviour Change Technologies

Beyond Nudging and Persuasion

Joel Anderson editor Lily E Frank editor Andreas Spahn editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

Published:11th Dec '25

£95.00

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The Ethics of Behaviour Change Technologies cover

This book investigates behaviour change technologies (BCTs) from an ethical perspective, examining the broader societal and philosophical implications of these types of technologies.

This book investigates behaviour change technologies (BCTs) from an ethical perspective, examining the broader societal and philosophical implications of these types of technologies. These technologies—ranging from fitness trackers and smart home systems to digital nudging and persuasive AI—are increasingly shaping our choices, habits, and lifestyles. This book moves beyond nudging and persuasion to explore a broader spectrum of ethical concerns, including autonomy, privacy, trust, responsibility, and social justice. Contributors from leading scholars do not merely critique BCTs but also offer constructive ethical frameworks and ethical analysis for their responsible design and implementation.

The ethics of developing and using scientific understanding to influence human behaviour is something every researcher, practitioner and user of behavioural science must have at the forefront of our minds. This excellent book takes readers expertly through discussions on the key issues that arise, including respect for autonomy, privacy, transparency and responsibility. -- —Susan Michie, Director of UCL Centre for Behaviour Change and Co-Director of Behavioural Research UK, and Robert West, Professor Emeritus of Health Psychology, University College London, UK
In a time when digital technologies are pervasively and effectively shaping behaviour, we need to not only critically discuss how they impact individual freedom, but also address broader societal and political issues. The Ethics of Behaviour Change spans this range and helps us to navigate issues such as autonomy and privacy but also justice and the interaction with cultural values and norms, thus challenging Western-centric approaches. -- Mark Coeckelbergh, Professor of Philosophy of Media and Technology and former President of the Society for Philosophy and Technology, University of Vienna, Austria

ISBN: 9781786613264

Dimensions: unknown

Weight: unknown

288 pages